Pew bulletin
Fr Vijay’s sermon
The Parable of Talents
(Mat. 25:14-30; Ex. 36:2-7; Phil. 4:10-20)
Friends, in today’s readings God reminds us that everything we have is a gift. In Exodus, the people gave so generously for the building of God’s house that Moses had to tell them, “Enough!” People gave so freely that there was more than enough for God’s house. In Philippians, Paul thanks the church for their partnership in the gospel, reminding us that giving is not loss, but fruit that grows to God’s glory. And in the Gospel, Jesus tells us not to bury what has been entrusted to us, but to use faithfully for the kingdom of God, and hear the words of Jesus, “well done, good and faithful servant.”
I remember a parishioner who once said to me, with tears in her eyes, “father, I don’t have much, but I still want to help.” Her circumstances were hard, and yet she placed her gift in the offering quietly, almost trembling. A few weeks later she told me that giving had lifted her spirit, because it reminded her that even in difficult season, she still belonged to God’s people, and her life still mattered in the mission of the church.
That is the beauty of stewardship. We do not give because we have everything or we have in abundance. We give because God has first given to us. So let us open our hands today, not with fear, but with faith, support the work of Christ among us with grateful hearts.
Dear church family, I invite you all, in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving, to support the life and ministry of this parish. This is the house of God for us, the place where we gather to worship, to be nourished by word and sacrament, and to care for one another in Chrisitan love. Your generosity helps ensure that this Holy place remains a living witness to Christ among us, now and for future generations. We ask for your help humbly and gratefully, trusting that as we give, God will continue to bless the work of his church.
May God Bless Us All. Amen.