Homily - Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time (Year II) based on:

📖 Readings:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9–11

  • Psalm 98:1, 7–8, 9

  • Matthew 25:14–30



Introduction – Humorous Story

A teacher once asked her class: “What would you like to be remembered for?” One boy said, “That I was kind.” Another said, “That I was helpful.” The last boy replied: “That I finished my homework!” Sometimes, what people remember us for is not just what we say, but how we use the opportunities given to us. Today’s Gospel challenges us to ask: What will God remember us for when He calls us to account?

The Word of God

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9–11 – Paul reminds the community that they are “taught by God to love one another.” Love is not just words but a way of life, expressed in simplicity, hard work, and peaceful living.

  • Psalm 98 – The whole creation rejoices in God’s saving justice. The psalm echoes the idea that when we live rightly, all of creation joins in praising God.

  • Matthew 25:14–30 – The parable of the talents shows that God entrusts each person with gifts, time, and opportunities. He expects us not to bury them out of fear or laziness, but to make them fruitful. The faithful are rewarded; the unfaithful lose even what they have.

Connection of the Readings

St. Paul emphasizes love expressed in daily, ordinary work. The psalm calls for joy in God’s justice. The Gospel shows that the true measure of love is how we use what we’ve been given for God’s glory and service of others.

Reflection Questions

  1. Am I burying any of the gifts God has given me out of fear, insecurity, or laziness?

  2. Do I use my talents to serve others in love, as Paul reminds the Thessalonians?

  3. How can I make my life a testimony of God’s justice and goodness today?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee & Synod)

  • Jubilee Year: We are Pilgrims of Hope, called to rediscover and use our gifts — not selfishly, but for justice, reconciliation, and healing.

  • Synod on Synodality: Each of us has something to contribute — talents, experiences, perspectives. A synodal Church listens to and values every gift, not burying them but allowing them to enrich the whole community.

Inspiration / Motivation

God does not compare what you have with what others have. He only asks: What did you do with what I gave you?

Quote

“Charity is the sweet and holy bond which links the soul with its Creator.” – St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Final Thoughts

The lazy servant lived in fear and excuses. The faithful servants lived in trust and action. Love and courage multiply; fear and excuses bury. Let us choose to live in love, investing our lives fully for God.

Concluding Prayer

Lord, You have placed many gifts in my hands.
Give me the courage to use them in love and service.
Teach me not to waste time in fear or excuses,
but to live simply, work honestly, and love deeply.
May my life bear fruit for Your Kingdom,
so that when You come, I may hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Amen. 

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