November 15, 2026
Revised Common Lectionary
Judges 4:1-7 or Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 123 or Psalm 90:1-8 (9-11), 12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, (see 1a)
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Matthew 25:14-15 (16-18) 19-21 (22-30)
At times we all face decisions that carry some measure of risk. Should I make a lifetime commitment to this one person? Should we move our family to a new home? What might happen if I leave my current job, begin a degree program, or change careers? As we weigh the risk involved, our response can sometimes be impeded by fear.
In the parable that Jesus tells in today’s Gospel reading, each of the three servants has been entrusted with large sums of money to invest during a long wait for the master’s return. Each talent had a value of more than fifteen years’ wages. We aren’t told exactly how, but two of the servants, both of whom had a lot to lose, clearly took considerable risk to double the value of their funds. Meanwhile, the third servant, who had been given less than the others, explicitly cites fear as the reason for digging a hole to protect that one talent. We can almost see him cowering in fright as he confesses, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man” (Mt 25:24).
The master echoes the fearful servant’s explanation, “You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter?” (Mt 25:26), but there is plenty of evidence that he is actually generous and empowering. After all, he extended a high degree of both trust and freedom to each servant, handing over great wealth with no preconditions as to how it should be invested. The first two servants took advantage of opportunity while the other servant allowed himself to be gripped by fear of retribution.
It is tempting to view this story merely as an encouragement to industriousness, but that misses the point that Jesus is making. We need to understand the parable first in relation to the other parables that surround it and then within the broader context of Jesus’ entire teaching and life. The story we hear today, the third in a series of four, is not so much about wealth or business, but rather about how disciples of Christ are to live as we wait for the Lord’s coming.
Jesus risked everything, including his very life, to proclaim the coming of God’s reign in his words and in his works. As we wait for him to return in glory, we too are to take risks in using the gifts we have received on behalf of the kingdom—serving, caring, teaching, healing, giving sight, opening ears, and setting free those who are bound.
Today we are invited to identify in our own lives the overflowing generosity of God who has provided us with talents and abilities that can benefit others and advance God’s justice and peace in the world. What gifts have we received that God is calling us to put to work in service of the kingdom? Can we lay aside our fear and respond generously to that call? Will we take the risk of stepping out and embracing change?
A Hymn for Today: “For God risk everything!”
Thomas H. Troeger, FHS, poet, preacher, and scholar, was both a Presbyterian minister and an Episcopal priest. He was a highly respected professor of homiletics and wrote many hymns intended for use with the Sunday Lectionary. In this challenging hymn text, Troeger captures well the themes of today’s Gospel reading, including stewardship and risk.
For God risk ev’rything!
Since ev’rything we own,
Our laughter, tears, the songs we sing,
Our breath, our flesh and bone,
Are no more ours to keep
Than wind that rushes by
Or dreams that flicker in our sleep
Or clouds that fade to sky.
How shriveled, Lord, the soul
That grips what it receives
And dares not free its anxious hold
But foolishly believes
That you are too severe
To pardon any loss,
Forgetting how your son made clear
Forgiveness on the cross.
From hearts that hide and hoard
The treasures that you send
Free us, till we by faith, O Lord,
Shall act as you intend,
Till we risk all for you,
Risk ev’rything you give,
And risking, learn what Jesus knew:
By risking all, we live.
Text: Thomas H. Troeger, 1945-2022. © 2002, Oxford University Press. Used by permission under OneLicense #A-729857
Tune: TERRA BEATA
Image Credit: He Hid His Lord’s Money, Roman Hobler, ca. 1860-1900, stained glass. Church of St. Edward, King and Martyr, Corfe Castle, UK
“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon, FHS. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.
To receive these weekly reflections by email, please send a message to office@thehymnsociety.org and type “Lectionary” in the subject line.