Lectionary reading November 15 Part 2
But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 1 Thessalonians 5:4 (NRSV)
Read.1Thessalonians 5:1-11 It is always good to remember that the whole of the New Testament was written after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus: it is therefore written from the perspective that Jesus Christ is at the right hand of Yahweh and is ruling in power. Christ’s ruling power is not always evident but the underlying hope is that one day all will be revealed and on that day “every knee will bow before him” ( Phil 2:10) Paul is reminding the Thessalonians that no one knows when that day will come, only that it will come in its proper season. This is to remind all believers of the need to be always be ready for the day when it does come. This assurance of Christ’s return comes after Paul’s teaching that those who have died since believing will securely be in Christ’s presence. Perhaps it is an indication that the question of Christ’s return was being questioned. Perhaps we can further infer that this wave of doubt has lead to a tendency to return to pre believer ways! The emphasis then is not simply that the return of Christ is certain but because he will return the need to live out the Christian life is paramount. Once the light of Christ has dawned on and in a life the believer is then to walk in that light: In today’s world, even after more than two millennium it continues to be an important reminder for each of us. Jesus will return as Lord and Christ. We do not know the day or the time but we do need to be ready. Furthermore we are called to live out the Christian life as a witness to those who do not yet believe and as an encouragement to those who do. It is a reminder that Jesus is Lord and one day we all will stand before him and give an account of ourselves and that account needs to be as “children of the light!”.
Prayer. Almighty God, by your great mercy the light of Jesus Christ has exposed the reality of our lives and called us back into true fellowship with you. By your love guide our lives, that we may live always in harmony with your will and good pleasure. Forgive us those times when we have fallen short of the mark and failed to be your faithful disciples. Forgiving what is past help us to move into a more confident future always with our attention anchored in you and your ways alone. As we pray may the burdens of life be lifted and may we find that refreshing peace which sets us free to love and serve you with our whole heart and mind and body. All this we pray through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God for ever more. Amen.
Read. Matthew 25:14-30 The word talent has been used as a gift, such as, she has a talent for playing the piano. In the setting of this parable though, a talent is worthy gift as a talent has a monetary value of more than fifteen years worth of wages for a labourer. Therefore, five, two and even one talent signify huge sums of money. As a further description of the kingdom of heaven it has much to teach. The vast sums of money described would have immediately caught the attention of those who were listening to this teaching. For ordinary people who lived day to day to have a cash reserve of one year’s wages would have been beyond their wildest dream. That a “servant” or “slave” (doulos), would be entrusted with such a sum would show a significant amount of trust. The gracious bounty of the Lord is being described and each “servant” receives this bounty, whether five, two, or even one, of the talents. Serving such a generous master is both a privilege and a responsibility.
The parable also indicates that the master expects the servant to use the bounty in ways that reflect the master’s generosity. In the ancient world the master was responsible for the personal welfare of the servants and so had the right to expect, the servant would work and so return an increase. That the master has total sovereignty is described as the master returns and calls the servants to account. The ones who have worked diligently are rewarded with even greater responsibility but the servant who neither worked not appreciated the generosity of the master was banished from the master’s relationship. Thus as a description of the kingdom Jesus reminds his hearers of the gracious benevolence of the Lord; His expectation to be served with obedient service and then a reminder that all will come before the judgement of the final days. That the master goes on a long journey and only returns after a very long time emphasises the idea that the end time will be long delayed. This delay does not mean that servants, any more than believers, can afford to be inactive in the service of the master. Rather the parable demonstrates an expectation of diligent service no matter how long the master is away. It the end the master will return and will look to be repaid for his generosity and then be able to reward his servants appropriately. .
Prayer. Holy Lord, you have filled our lives with good things and blessed us beyond measure. You graciously have given to us the gift of life that we may participate in all the beauty and wonder of your creation. Pour into our hearts that spirit of praise and teach us to see with new eyes all your works and so praise your name with heartfelt thanks. Help us to keep in mind all those who do not enjoy the benefits that enrich our lives; our homes our families and an orderly society where we can be at peace. As those who have been richly endowed with blessing, may we always have a true understanding of how great a debt we owe to you. So with humble hearts we pray with thanksgiving in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen
Collect. You are the giver of all good gifts, O God, and you call us to give account; give us responsive hearts and willing hands, that we may know you, the source of our life in Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.
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