Weekly Newsletter of the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy, Archdiocese of Melbourne

Vol. I, No. 24 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - A Nov 15 - 21, 2014

Gospel Reading This Sunday: Matthew 25: 14-30:

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a

journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to

them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third,

one – to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

Immediately, the one who received five talents went and

traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one

who received two made another two. But the man who

received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried

his master‟s money.

After a long time the master of those servants came back

and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five

talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said,

„Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.‟

His master said to him, „Well done, my good and faithful

servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give

you great responsibilities. Come, share your master‟s joy.‟

Then the one who had received two talents also came

forward and said, „Master, you gave me two talents. See, I

have made two more.‟ His master said to him, „Well done, my

good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small

matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share

your master‟s joy.‟

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward

and said, „Master, I knew you were a demanding person,

harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you

did not scatter. So out of fear, I went off and buried your talent

in the ground. Here it is back.‟ His master said to him in reply,

„You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I

did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you

not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have

got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the

talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone

who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from

the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And

throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where

there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.‟ ”

FILIPINO MASS THIS WEEK Anticipated Mass (Sat, Nov 15):

5:00PM – Holy Family Church, 147 Separation St.,

Bell Park

Sunday Mass (Nov 16):

10:30AM – Frankston Filipino Community, 36

Moreton St., Frankston

Reflections on the Gospel (continued from page 1):

God gives "talents" to all his children. These gifts -

superior intellect, a good voice, mechanical ability,

writing skills, business acumen, and others - are to be

developed and used for one's good and that of others.

God has given us talents to use rather than to hide.

Whether our talents are significant or not, the measure

of judgment is to have the courage and determination

to use them.

Buried seeds may grow but buried talents never.

Thus, the man who buried the one thousand that his

master entrusted to him was condemned. He was either

afraid or lazy to invest the money of his master. It was

rendered useless because it was not used. In the

kingdom of God, uselessness is an invitation of

disaster: the tasteless salt, the fruitless fig tree, the

weeds, and the un-edible fish - and yes, buried money

and talent!

Those servants who were faithful and industrious

were awarded greater tasks. They were able to work

accordingly to the talents given them, and earned

interests for the master. Since they were willing to

accept responsibilities, they were rewarded with ever

greater responsibilities by the master. In no way that

God's kingdom applies the utilitarian principle, but

each one of us is expected to contribute with

faithfulness in doing his respective assignment in this

world. Usefulness means a decision to actively

participate in the building up God's kingdom through

the wise use and development of our talents.

Responsibility means to respond with ability.

Discover the gift of abilities that God endowed us. Do

not be afraid to respond to the call to the service that

He is giving us to do. In proportion to our respective

capacities and vocations, we are empowered by special

grace to act accordingly and faithfully to our duties in

this world.

The parable of the talents reminds us that we have a

responsibility to develop God's gifts. We are but

stewards of these talents. Sharing these talents does not

diminish them. Rather, they increase in value every

time they are shared for the glory of God.

Katolikong Pinoy sa Melbourne is published by the FILIPINO CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY OF THE

ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE. The Chaplaincy is located at St. Brigid’s Church, 378 Nicholson St.,

Fitzroy North (VIC). Tel Num (+61 3) 9482-5349. See also at Facebook Open Group “Katolikong Pinoy sa

Melbourne”. (To receive free copy, please email us at melpinoykatoliko@yahoo.com.au).

Chaplain: Fr. Joselito C. Asis. Mobile Num : 0404-261-228; email: father.asis@yahoo.com.au

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