33^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 15, 2026 (A)

Our readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a glimpse of what God values and why.   The first reading from the Book of Proverbs always makes me regret my lack of attention to (the misnomer of) “homemaking skills” of the past but reminds me that it is what comes from the heart, both internally and in service, that really counts to God.   The second reading encourages us to act as if we truly believe that we are children of God and should share the Light.

It is the Gospel reading about the use of talents that, I think, requires even more careful thought.   In the times when the Gospel was written, a talent was a huge sum of money.   I checked some internet sites to find that one talent was about 16-20 years wages for a day laborer at that time.

It seems reasonable to me to expect someone to be cautious with such huge sums of money as in the parable.   I wondered why the parable clearly discourages caution in money matters, but, in other scriptural passages, we are told to be prudent in all things. Prudence is a close synonym to being cautious. Perhaps, talents, in God’s mind, means any of the gifs we have been given by the Almighty One.

Not only does that make more sense to me, but it obliges each of us to be truly accountable for proper use of the many gifts and appreciation of the blessings we have received.   All gifts, talents (monetary and otherwise), and blessings come from God.   We know that some are obvious to everyone.   It is the more subtle ones, such as kindness, that are more like the Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit that need more attention, by us as well as by those who are in the position to offer meaningful praise.   What talents has Almighty given you to share as a reflection of the Holy One?

+ Blessings,

Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP

Southern Dominican Laity

New email:   lanie.op@gmail.com

From the 33^rd Sunday’s Gospel reading:

Jesus told his disciples this parable.

“A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.”

Reflection:

Jesus encourages us to put all our lives on the line in his service – not just specific talents. We are to invest ourselves, serving God by serving others. Each of us baptized into Christ needs to engage in the world, conscious that the One who has “entrusted” us will be with us as we face life’s challenges as full-fledged Christians.

So, we ask ourselves: 

·        How “invested” am I in my Christian life?

·        What do I do to invest more of myself in responded to God’s call to me.?

Fr. Jude Siciliano, OP

FrJude@JudeOP.org