Weekly Newsletter – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – November 15th, 2026

“Don’t Bury Your Talents”

There’s a quiet temptation that sneaks up on us as the days get shorter: the temptation to simply hold on, survive, and wait for Christ to come. But today’s readings shake us out of that spiritual hibernation.

In the Gospel, a master entrusts his servants with his wealth—five talents, two talents, one talent—each “according to his ability.” In Jesus’ day, a talent was a small fortune, but the point isn’t the amount. The point is trust. The master doesn’t give instructions or timelines. He gives generously and expects his servants to take risks.

The man who received one talent doesn’t waste it. He buries it. He preserves it perfectly. And still the master calls him “wicked and lazy.” Why? Because he let fear make the decision. He was so afraid of losing what he had that he never let it bear fruit.

How often do we do the same? We may not bury money in the backyard, but we bury our time, our kindness, our gifts—because we’re afraid, we don’t have enough, or someone might take advantage, or we might fail. But the Gospel reminds us that faith is not a storage vault. It’s a seed.

Today’s first reading praises the valiant woman of Proverbs—not because she is wealthy or admired, but because she uses her hands and heart for others. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. She doesn’t wait for a perfect moment; she acts with wisdom and love. St. Paul echoes the same urgency: stay awake. Don’t let the day of the Lord catch you sleeping. But staying awake isn’t just about not sinning. It’s about living with intentional love.

Maybe this week, God is inviting you to take one talent out of the ground. A phone call to someone lonely. A meal shared with a struggling neighbour. An offer to help in the parish. A little patience where you usually snap. It may not look like much, but in the Master’s hands, small things become eternal.

Because the Master isn’t harsh. He is generous. And when we risk love, we discover what the good and faithful servant learned: the harvest is joy.