“FIRST IMPRESSIONS”

33^rd SUNDAY (A) November 15, 2026

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Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Ps 128; I Thess. 5: 1-6; Matthew 25:14-30

by Jude Siciliano, OP

Dear Preachers:

We know poor people and minorities find it hard to get loans; as do nonprofit organizations, daycare centers and those seeking support for affordable housing. There is, it seems a hesitancy to take a risk lending to these groups. They don't fit into the usual financial structures.

About 35 years ago a small group of young professionals in the San Francisco area saw the need and had a vision to help those who could not get financial support for their projects for the needy and support economic justice. They had experience in banking and real estate. They put up their own money, got assistance from family and friends as well as Dominican sisters in the Bay Area. They started the first community loan fund in Northern California. They lent money to build over 5000 housing units, 200 facilities for human services and created more than 700 jobs. They also offered their time and energy for local community needs. That was 35 years ago; they have been at it ever since. (Check the Northern California Community Loan Fund out on the web to learn of their commitment and success over these decades.) 

In today's parable Jesus is talking about finances, investing and taking risks -- big risks. A “talent” was the equivalent of 20 years’ salary for the ordinary worker. The master puts an enormous amount of trust in his servants, and he does not give explicit directions. After entrusting the money, we are told, "Then he went away." The master did not even give them explicit instructions about what they were to do with his money. Instead, he gave them time and the freedom to use their imaginations and ingenuity to invest his money wisely.

Two of them do their job very well. They make an enormous profit, 100% return. So, when the master returns, he praises their work. "Well done good and faithful servant. Come share your master's joy.”

But one of the servants did not do well at all. He hid the owner’s money. The servant handed back the same amount he was given. This servant did not get it. He missed the point. He sadly misjudged the master and acted out of fear. That's not what the master wanted. Not a timid servant paralyzed by fear, but one who would take a chance -- get involved, invest the master's money wisely. And make a profit.            

The parable speaks to us today. In many aspects of our lives, we Christians must practice prudence and be thoughtful about the decisions we make. However, there is a "But" in the parable, reminding us of another side of Christian living: not to be afraid to be engaged in the world, practicing our faith, even when it feels risky.

It reminds us of people like Mother Cabrini who started 67 institutions -- hospitals, schools, and orphanages in Italy, the United States, Europe, Central America and South America. At the time she was resisted by the Archbishop of New York.  It was a time when women were to "know their place." She took risks, tirelessly reaching out to poor immigrants. She is a model for contemporary people concerned about the welfare of minorities and immigrants in our country. When her sisters protested because Cabrini wanted to start still one more hospital for the needy, she said, "Whose work is it, ours or God's?"

The parable suggests we have been given treasure and have also been given freedom and trust to do what we see we should do, not letting fear or a sense of inadequacy hold us back. People say: "Keep the faith." How? Treat it like it is fragile? Do we not have enough of it? That we will be blamed for failure?

Rather, the parable does not seem to be saying, "Keep the faith," but "Practice the faith.” Engage the world and put your faith into action." It invites risk-taking, addressed to those who have feelings of inadequacy, or fear putting their faith into action. Recall what mother Cabrini said, "Whose work is it, ours or God's? God, like the master, has equipped us and trusted us to discern how we should invest ourselves. The parable is not restrictive, calling us to be cautious. Instead, it invites us to trust and, after our work in the world is done and the master returns, we too will hear, "Well done good and faithful servant."

It's hard to skip over the first reading, which could sound like it is saying, "Women know your place and do it well."

It is a portrait of a woman whose value goes far beyond her physical beauty or appearance. She is hard-working, trustworthy, generous to the poor, faithful to God. The reading concludes, "The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

It reminds us that, "Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting." It suggests physical beauty, popularity, wealth and social standing do not determine a person's wealth. Unlike the world God looks deeper and sees our generosity, our honesty, our faithfulness, and a willingness to serve others.

The woman in Proverbs is not presented merely as someone to admire. She is a model for us and challenges both women and men to ask ourselves, what kind of people are we becoming? We are reminded that God does not measure our worth by our parents, wealth, status, or gender, but calls us to live lives of faithfulness, responsibility, wisdom and love.

The woman in Proverbs reflects today's gospel parable showing us that God does not measure our worth by our appearance, wealth, status, or gender. It is not whether we are women or men, rich or poor, successful or struggling. The question is whether we are using our lives to bring goodness into the world. That is the kind of life worthy of praise, not only in the eyes of others, but in the eyes of God

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111526.cfm

JUSTICE BULLETIN BOARD

“For all of you, children of the light and children of the day.”

-- Thessalonians 5:5

As we approach Thanksgiving, let us give special thanks to the farm workers who toil to bring the produce to market. I give you two prayers for your reflection. The first is a blessing from the National Farm Worker Ministry:

Bless the hands of the people of the earth, the hands that plant the seed, the hands that bind the harvest, the hands that carry the burden of life.

 Soften the hands of the oppressor and strengthen the hands of the oppressed. Bless the hands of the workers, bless the hands of those in power above them that the measure they deal with will be tempered with justice and compassion.

Amen.

The second prayer is from Interfaith Worker Justice that is now part of Georgetown University within the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor:

O God of seed and harvest, we pause to give thanks for the table set before us and the food that graces it.                 

[The people gathered take turn naming the various foods on the table being blessed, by saying, “thank you for the ____” until all the foods have been named.]

In a moment we will eat this food, harvested from many parts of the nation and world. It will be transformed into the flesh and blood of our bodies. Keep us mindful of the many workers who labor in field and factory to bring us this food.

From the bounty and nourishment of the meal, we dedicate ourselves to work to abolish poverty, unsafe working conditions, workplace abuse, and unjust wages among those who feed us through their labor.                 

We pray this in the name of the Creator God, who not only fed the Israelites in the desert but transformed simple folk like us into disciples for justice and peace.

Amen.

Consider adding these prayers of blessing, remembrance, and dedication during your Thanksgiving gathering. For all of us are children of the light and children of the day.

Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director

Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC

FAITH BOOK

Mini reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for people on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.

From today’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.?

POSTCARDS TO DEATH-ROW INMATES

“Someone who says, ‘I’m against abortion’ but says, ‘I’m in favor of the death penalty,’ is not really pro-life.”

Pope Leo XIV

Inmates on death row are the most forgotten people in the prison system. Each week I am posting in this space several inmates’ names and locations. I invite you to write a postcard to one or more of them to let them know: we have not forgotten them; are praying for them and their families; or whatever personal encouragement you might like to give them. If the inmate responds, you might consider becoming pen pals.  

Please write to:

·        Mikel M. Brady #1403339 (On death row since 10/28/2019)

·        Tillman Freeman      #0849836 (4/19/2022)

·        Joshua Burgess       #0949797 (6/3/2022)

Central Prison   PO Box 247, Phoenix MD  21131

(While the prison is in Raleigh mail for inmates is processed at this address)

For more information on the Catholic position on the death penalty go to the Catholic Mobilizing Network: http://catholicsmobilizing.org

DONATIONS

“First Impressions” is a service to preachers and those wishing to prepare for Sunday worship. It is sponsored by the Dominican Friars. If you would like “First Impressions” sent weekly to a friend,  CLICK HERE.

If you would like to support this ministry, please send tax deductible contributions to:

Fr. Jude Siciliano, OP

Holy Rosary Priory

3600 Travis St.

Houston, TX 77002-9591

Make checks payable to: Dominican Friars.