1 Thessalonians 4:9-11; Psalm 98; Matthew 25:14-30
“You have been faithful in small things: come and join in your master’s happiness”. Fidelity in a smaller sphere of labour may be of greater importance than in a larger sphere. But the paradox is that we all desire larger spheres for labour. For this reason the servant who was given one talent refused to invest his one talent. Beloved let us learn to give our best in the different talents deposited in us. Use your one talent; do not be envious of another’s numerous talents. Differences in talents make no distinctions in rewards, if the utmost is made of them. Thus, the two servants who invested their talents were both rewarded with their “Master’s happiness”. In the same vein, if we use our different talents very well we shall all enter into the Master’s happiness – the Kingdom of God. So, rather than envying a brother or sister St. Paul in the first reading invites us to love one another. As the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Augustine today, let us learn to help each other and let us not give up on stubborn children.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit by St. Augustine
Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
