Sunday 19 November 2023 – XXXIII of Ordinary Time

+ From the Gospel according to Matthew (25, 14 – 30)

At that time, Jesus told his disciples this parable:
«It will happen as to a man who, leaving on a journey, called his servants and gave them his goods. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, according to each one’s ability; then he left.
Immediately he who had received five talents went to employ them, and he earned five more. So also he who had received two, he gained two more. But he who had received only one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money there.
After a long time the master of those servants returned and wanted to settle accounts with them.
He who had received five talents came forward and brought five more, saying: “Lord, you have given me five talents; behold, I have gained five more.” “Well, good and faithful servant,” his master told him, “you have been faithful over little, I will give you power over much; take part in your master’s joy.”
Then he who had received two talents came forward and said: “Lord, you have given me two talents; behold, I have gained two more.” “Well, good and faithful servant,” his master told him, “you have been faithful over little, I will give you power over much; take part in your master’s joy.”
Finally the one who had received the one talent also showed up and said: “Lord, I know that you are a hard man, who reaps where you have not sown and gathers where you have not scattered. I was afraid and went to hide your talent in the ground: this is what is yours.”
The master replied to him: “You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered; you should have entrusted my money to the bankers and so, upon returning, I would have withdrawn mine with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And throw the useless servant outside into the darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth'”.

Word of the Lord