Delay is very significant in Matthew’s account of these parables about the kingdom. When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, the second coming of Christ was expected just around the corner. After the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (70 C.E.), when Matthew was composed (85-100 C.E.), it was obvious that the time of the fulfillment was completely uncertain. Not only vigilance (24:45-51) and preparation (25:1-13) were needed, but also diligent and productive activity, as emphasized in this parable.

Investment of resources always involves a risk. Those who take the risk of putting what they have on the line, who see their gifts not as personal possessions but as opportunities for service, will be part of the kingdom’s fulfillment. Those who hoard what they have cut themselves off from the kingdom, and so will lose even what they try to save. Again, note that during the time of waiting, the good and the bad, the productive and the unproductive coexist in the Church, and are more or less indistinguishable from each other. Another theme repeated here is that mere membership in the Church (receiving the "silver pieces") does not in itself insure salvation.

In late Jewish society, when this hymn of the prized wife was composed, women still had an inferior status, but not nearly so lowly as in most cultures of that time. The woman pictured here contrasts with the adulterous, troublesome wife that is often given as the image of unfaithful Israel (Hos 1-3; Jer 2-3; Ez 16 and 23). She is industrious in wifely duties, and these encompass every area of the life of both her and her husband. In her work she is seen not as the servant but as the true partner of her husband, and this responsible fulfillment is the source of her prestige. A fitting lesson for the Church as the Bride of Christ.

The ideal family life is seen as the result of fidelity to the Lord in this psalm which prays for blessings upon the faithful. Response: "Happy are those who fear the Lord."

Although Paul’s teaching in this letter was colored by the expectation of an imminent return of Christ, his message is no less valid, and is even more urgent today when we tend to grow complacent. Not knowing the "when" of the final moment gives greater importance to each passing moment as a unique opportunity of grace, never to be repeated. The ever-present challenge is to live and act in accord with what we are — NOW! Our own salvation and the salvation of the world depends on it.

The conclusion of the letter, an exhortation to rejoice in gratitude, is read on the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B.

1. What do you feel is God’s greatest gift to you? Why? Think about your answer. What does it tell you about you?

2. What do these readings say about how the Church (parish, diocese and/or universal Church) should use its resources?