Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 30 August ‘25
Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday
1 Thessalonians 4:9-11. Matthew 25:14-30
Faithful in Little Things
1. Love as Our First Vocation
Scripture: Paul commends the Thessalonians for their brotherly love, reminding them that they are “taught by God to love one another” (1 Thess 4:9). Their love was already evident, but he urges them to “do so more and more.”
Church’s Teaching: Deus Caritas Est (no. 25) emphasizes that love is the heart of Christian life, for God Himself teaches us how to love.
Pastoral Application: Love is never complete—it must keep growing. Our families, parishes, and workplaces always need more patience, forgiveness, and generosity. Am I satisfied with “enough love,” or do I strive to love “more and more”?
2. Quiet Faithfulness in Daily Duties
Scripture: Paul also exhorts them to “aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands” (1 Thess 4:11). Holiness is not only in dramatic acts but in faithful daily living.
Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 2427) teaches that human work, done in union with Christ, is a path to holiness.
Pastoral Application: True discipleship often looks ordinary: caring for family, honest work, prayerful routines. Faithfulness in the little things prepares us to hear Christ say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21).
3. Using God’s Gifts Responsibly
Scripture: In the parable of the talents, Jesus warns against burying God’s gifts. The master rewards those who take risks and multiply what was entrusted, but condemns the servant who hid his talent out of fear (Matt 25:14–30).
Church’s Teaching: Lumen Gentium (no. 33) affirms that every baptized person has gifts and responsibilities to serve the Kingdom.
Pastoral Application: God has entrusted each of us with talents—time, skills, relationships, opportunities. To waste them through fear, laziness, or selfishness is to betray His trust. The Lord asks us to use our gifts boldly for His glory and the good of others.
Conclusion
Paul invites us to grow in love, live faithfully in daily duties, and Jesus calls us to use our talents responsibly. The Christian life is not passive—it is love in action, faith in the ordinary, and courage in stewardship. One day, may we hear the Lord’s voice: “Enter into the joy of your master.”
In sum, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to grow “more and more” in love, since love is the true mark of discipleship. He reminds them that holiness is also found in quiet faithfulness—minding daily duties and honest work. Jesus’ parable of the talents teaches us to use God’s gifts boldly, not to bury them in fear. Faithfulness in small things and courage in stewardship prepare us for the Lord’s reward. True discipleship is love in action, faith in the ordinary, and fruitfulness in service.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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