Readings: Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 44:16–27; 45:3–20 and Matthew 25:14–23
In the radiant light of Paschaltide, the Church, on this Friday of the Third Week after the Octave of Easter, presents us with a compelling synthesis of fidelity, divine election, and the reward of stewardship. Through the sapiential remembrance of the patriarchs in Ecclesiasticus, the glorious ministry of Moses and Aaron, and the parable of the faithful servants in Matthew’s Gospel, we are drawn into the rich tapestry of Divine Providence and our cooperation with grace.
✠ A Legacy of Fidelity (Sirach 44:16–27)
The reading from Ecclesiasticus, the inspired wisdom of Jesus ben Sirach, recounts the righteousness of Enoch, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These were men who, by obedience and faith, laid the groundwork for the covenant. The phrase, “In his flesh he established the covenant, and in temptation he was found faithful”, (Sir. 44:20) resonates deeply within the Easter season, as Christ, the true and final Covenant in flesh, is the fulfillment of all these types.
St. Cyprian of Carthage, in his Treatise on the Lord’s Prayer, reminds us that the saints of the Old Covenant were faithful even in trial, teaching us that “he who fears not to offend God in little things, will sin still more in greater.” The ancient patriarchs did not see the full promise but lived in hope, preparing the way for us (cf. Heb. 11:13).
Their faithfulness was generational. As the sacred author continues, “the blessing of all men, and the covenant made with them stood fast.” (Sir. 44:20). St. Irenaeus notes in Against Heresies (Book IV, 5), that this continuity of divine blessing reflects God’s paternal economy: He “trains mankind through many covenants and generations to become accustomed to the light.”
✠ The Priesthood and the Glory of God (Sirach 45:3–20)
From the patriarchs, the liturgy turns to Moses, the great lawgiver, and Aaron, the first high priest. Moses is depicted as “glorious in the sight of kings,” performing wonders by God’s command—a prefigurement of Christ, the true Prophet and Deliverer.
St. Gregory of Nyssa calls Moses “a man initiated into the divine mysteries” (Life of Moses), pointing out that his life shows the ascent of the soul towards God through humility and divine instruction.
Aaron, adorned with sacred vestments and consecrated by oil, becomes the image of priestly intercession. Sirach notes that his robe, precious stones, and diadem were not for vanity, but for the sanctification of the people: “to commemorate and to magnify his name, and to engrave in a holy manner upon the memorials of the children of Israel.” (Sir. 45:9)
St. John Chrysostom, meditating on the priesthood in his homilies, says: “The priest stands daily at the altar as a mediator between God and man, not merely wearing vestments, but representing Christ.” The figure of Aaron here finds its consummation in the eternal priesthood of Christ, our High Priest, who entered not into a holy place made with hands, but into heaven itself (cf. Heb. 9:24).
✠ The Talents and the Master’s Return (Matthew 25:14–23)
In the Gospel, Our Lord offers the parable of the talents—familiar yet inexhaustible in meaning. Each servant is given “according to his several ability”—a phrase which reminds us that God’s gifts are never arbitrary, but always suited to the vessel. The reward is proportionate not to the amount, but to the fidelity: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25:21)
St. Augustine interprets the talents as the graces and gifts entrusted to us in this life—whether they be time, understanding, doctrine, or even temporal resources. “Do not bury grace in the earth,” he exhorts, “but cause it to bear fruit for eternal life” (Sermon 23).
The joy of the Lord, says St. Jerome, is none other than eternal life, “the reward of labour, the crown of struggle, and the consummation of obedience.”
This parable is especially poignant in light of the prior readings. Just as Abraham was faithful in sacrifice, and Aaron in ministry, so we too must be faithful in the duties assigned to us, whether they be great or small. The liturgical office of the day reminds us that we live still in the light of Christ’s Resurrection, when the Master has gone into the far country of Heaven—but He shall return.
✠ A Spiritual Lesson for Paschaltide
This Feria Sexta invites us to consider how we are stewards of God’s manifold grace. We are spiritual descendants of the patriarchs, partakers in the New Covenant, and spiritual priests in the order of grace. Let us imitate their fidelity.
During this Paschal season, when the Alleluia still resounds in our prayers, we are reminded not only of Christ’s victory but of the expectation of His return. Like the faithful servants, may we be found with our talents multiplied—souls won, prayers lifted, and virtues cultivated.
St. Leo the Great captures the heart of this day’s reflection:
“Let us not be made idle by the joy of the Resurrection, but more fervent in virtue: for He who ascended in glory will return in majesty.”
Prayer Suggestion for Today:
O Lord, who has entrusted me with gifts in this life, grant that I may, by the example of the patriarchs and saints, use all for Thy glory and for the good of souls. May I be found faithful at Thy coming, and be counted worthy to enter into Thy joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.