The Parable of the Talents ””For to everyone who has will be given more”

PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE

A talent was a huge sum of money, thought to equate to the pay for 15 to 20 years’ of work. The Master in today’s Gospel reading has, therefore, placed great trust in his servants, giving them stewardship of such vast riches. God, Our Father, has placed the same trust in each one of us. At our baptism, He gave each one of us a unique set of gifts and charisms, “each in proportion to [our] ability”. We received this lifetime of riches to equip us to continue God’s work on earth, to build His Kingdom, to scatter on His behalf and to yield fruit for His harvest. Our lives as baptized Catholics are lives of service and mission, in our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and our parishes. We are called to use the baptismal gifts we have received, the talents we have been trusted to grow, in the service of God, the people we encounter in our daily lives, and the communities within which we live, work and study. Our faith is not passive or individual to us. Our faith is active and to be shared and grown. God is calling each one of us to renew His Church in Down and Connor using the talents He has entrusted us with. How will you use yours?

“Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works

tell her praises at the city gates.”

Proverbs 31:31

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Prayer, Sharing, Listening, Discerning

Prayer of the Faithful

That we may be good and faithful servants, growing as communities of faith and service, scattering and reaping a rich harvest for God our Master.

Like the wise woman in today’s First Reading from the Book of Proverbs, as active members of our faith communities, that we may always do God’s work “with eager hands” and hold out our “hand to the poor” and open our “arms to the needy”.

That the Holy Spirit will guide the Holy Father in the choice of a new Bishop of the Diocese to shepherd and pastor us in the pilgrimage of faith and hope.

Pathways to the Future Prayer

God of Love, You are with us in every transition and change. As we enter into this new era with excitement and even some anxiety,

we recall your deep compassion, presence, and abounding love. We thank you for the gifts, talents, and skills with which you have blessed us. We thank you for the work of others that gives breadth and depth to our own work. Be with us as we move forward, rejoicing with you and supporting one another.

We ask this in your Holy Name. Amen.