Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 30, 2025

Date: Saturday of the 21^st Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable:

"A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–to each according to his ability. Then he went away.Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five.Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.

After a long time, the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.' Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.' His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So, you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'"

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading recounts Jesus’ parable of the talents given to three servants by the master. The first two used the talents given to them and they were increased. But the third servant buried the talent and reaped no interest or growth. We recognize that Jesus is reminding us to not only accept the gifts of our creator but also to use them for the love of and glory of our LORD. The servant who buried the talent didn’t make use of what was given to him and he lost it.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How am I investing the LORD’s gifts to me for love of and glory of the LORD and service to my sisters and brothers?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we lift our hearts and voices to You in praise and thanksgiving for all You are and all You have given to each and every one of us. Send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve to use all the gifts You give to us, time, talents, treasures lovingly. Help us to walk in your beloved Son’s footsteps as His disciples, following his selfless example of using His life for love of and glory of You and for love of all of us. We ask this in the name of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen