Reflection on Sirach 44:16–27; 45:3–20 and Matthew 25:14–23, in the spirit of St. Laurence Justinian
The sacred liturgy of this day sets before us two complementary images: the memory of the patriarchs and priests of Israel, recorded by the inspired writer of Ecclesiasticus, and the Lord’s parable of the talents, addressed to His disciples. Both converge upon the mystery of fidelity — fidelity to the gifts of God entrusted to His servants, whether in the ancient covenant or in the Kingdom of Christ.
The Fathers of the Old Covenant (Sir 44:16–27; 45:3–20)
In Sirach we behold the “fathers of old,” beginning with Henoch who “pleased God and was translated into paradise” (44:16), Abraham who kept the covenant, Isaac blessed in simplicity, and Jacob whose inheritance was multiplied. Then the passage turns to Moses and Aaron, who received their priestly dignity “to sanctify the people and to teach the law” (45:17).
St. John Chrysostom notes that when Scripture recalls the fathers of Israel, it is not merely recounting history but setting forth a mirror of virtue: “The divine word brings before us the righteous of old that we, beholding their obedience, might be provoked to emulation” (Hom. in Hebr. 23). These patriarchs and priests are not remote figures but witnesses whose fidelity prefigures the greater fidelity required of us in Christ.
The Talents Entrusted (Matt 25:14–23)
In the Gospel, the Lord likens the Kingdom to a master entrusting his servants with talents — to one five, to another two, to another one — “to every one according to his proper ability” (25:15). The first two servants double their gifts and are greeted with the same beatitude: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (25:21, 23).
St. Augustine observes: “The talents are all the gifts of God, whether greater or lesser; but whether they be five or two, they are given for use, not for sloth. To hide them is to refuse charity” (Serm. 23 de Verbis Domini). Fidelity, not the measure of the gift, wins the praise of the Master.
Likewise St. Gregory the Great teaches: “What else are talents but the gifts of grace, which one receives more abundantly, another less, yet all to be traded for the gain of souls? For grace, if it is not exercised in good works, is lost” (Hom. in Evang. 9).
The Lesson for Us: Fidelity and Pastoral Care
Today the Church honors St. Laurence Justinian, first Patriarch of Venice, a bishop who embodied the very lesson of the Gospel. He received gifts of prudence, pastoral zeal, and contemplative spirit — not for himself, but for the flock. He wrote: “The servant of Christ must be entirely occupied with the care of souls, for to him they are committed, not for his glory, but for their salvation” (De Disciplina et Perfectione Clericorum). In him we see the faithful steward, who did not bury his gifts in the earth, but multiplied them in the vineyard of the Lord.
Conclusion
The ancient fathers of Israel kept the covenant; the faithful servants in the parable multiplied their talents; St. Laurence Justinian spent his life for the Church. All call us to one response: to receive whatever portion God entrusts to us and to render it fruitful by fidelity. Whether great or small, hidden or visible, every gift is a trust.
Thus we pray in union with today’s Collect: “Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the venerable solemnity of blessed Laurence Thy Confessor and Bishop may increase our devotion and promote our salvation.” May we be counted among those who, when the Master returns, hear those blessed words: “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”