FIRST
READING: 1
Thessalonians 4: 9 - 11
9
But as touching the charity of brotherhood, we have no need to write
to you: for yourselves have learned of God to love one another.
10
For indeed you do it towards all the brethren in all Macedonia. But
we entreat you, brethren, that you abound more:
11
And that you use your endeavour to be quiet, and that you do your own
business, and work with your own hands, as we commanded you: and that
you walk honestly towards them that are without; and that you want
nothing of any man's.
PSALM:
Psalms 98:
1, 7 - 9
1
Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because he hath done wonderful
things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is
holy.
7
Let the sea be moved and the fulness thereof: the world and they that
dwell therein.
8
The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice
together
9
At the presence of the Lord: because he cometh to judge the earth. He
shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity.
GOSPEL:
Matthew 25:
14 - 30
14
For even as a man going into a far country, called his servants, and
delivered to them his goods;
15
And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another
one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he
took his journey.
16
And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded
with the same, and gained other five.
17
And in like manner he that had received the two, gained other two.
18
But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the
earth, and hid his lord's money.
19
But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned
with them.
20
And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five
talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold
I have gained other five over and above.
21
His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over
many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22
And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord,
thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have gained other two.
23
His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because
thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over
many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24
But he that had received the one talent, came and said: Lord, I know
that thou art a hard man; thou reapest where thou hast not sown, and
gatherest where thou hast not strewed.
25
And being afraid I went and hid thy talent in the earth: behold here
thou hast that which is thine.
26
And his lord answering, said to him: Wicked and slothful servant,
thou knewest that I reap where I sow not, and gather where I have not
strewed:
27
Thou oughtest therefore to have committed my money to the bankers,
and at my coming I should have received my own with usury.
28
Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him that
hath ten talents.
29
For to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound: but
from him that hath not, that also which he seemeth to have shall be
taken away.
30
And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the exterior darkness.
There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.