As we journey through Advent, a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ, the readings from Hebrews 13:7-17 and Matthew 25:14-23 invite us to consider our faithfulness in following Christ, our responsibility as stewards of God’s gifts, and our commitment to a community of worship and service.
Faithful Leadership and Imitation of Christ
The epistle to the Hebrews exhorts us to “remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7). This call reminds us that the Christian life is not lived in isolation but is rooted in the witness of those who have gone before us. St. John Chrysostom highlights the importance of this verse, noting that the lives of godly leaders serve as a living commentary on the Gospel. Their sacrifices, grounded in love for Christ and His people, model the self-giving that Advent calls us to emulate.
The passage also admonishes us to offer sacrifices of praise and to share generously with others. St. Augustine, reflecting on this, writes:
“Let our sacrifice be one of praise, and let us offer it in all circumstances, for the sacrifice of praise is what sustains our communion with the heavenly hosts.” Augustine reminds us that our worship is not confined to words but extends into a life of gratitude and service, demonstrating our trust in God’s providence.
Faithful Stewardship and the Coming Kingdom
In Matthew 25:14-23, the parable of the talents illustrates the principles of stewardship and accountability before God. The master entrusts his servants with talents, expecting them to invest and multiply these gifts. Origen offers a spiritual interpretation of this passage, suggesting that the talents symbolize the grace and knowledge of God given to each believer. He writes,
“The talents are the riches of the soul—the Gospel message entrusted to us. To bury them is to neglect the work of the kingdom; to multiply them is to labor with diligence in spreading truth.”
The faithful servants’ reward—entering into the joy of their master—reminds us of the ultimate fulfillment of Advent: the eternal union with Christ in His Kingdom. Yet, this joy is not passively received but actively prepared for through faithful service.
The Advent Context: Living Between Promise and Fulfillment
In the spirit of Feria VI infra Hebdomadam I Adventus, these readings anchor us in the tension of already and not yet. St. Cyril of Jerusalem reminds us,
“Advent calls us to vigilance and action, for the coming of the Lord is both a promise fulfilled and a call to readiness.” The parable of the talents urges us to actively prepare for Christ’s return by using the gifts He has entrusted to us to build His Kingdom on earth.
Likewise, Hebrews points us to the communal nature of this preparation. St. Basil the Great observes,
“The Church is the dwelling place of the Spirit, where sacrifices of praise and acts of charity ascend to God as one incense, uniting heaven and earth in worship.” As we offer ourselves to God and serve one another, we embody the Kingdom that we await.
Conclusion: The Call to Faithfulness and Joy
As Advent progresses, let us heed the lessons of these passages. Let us honor the faithful leaders who have gone before us, steward well the gifts God has given, and prepare our hearts for the joyful return of Christ. In the words of St. Gregory the Great,
“He who longs to meet the Lord must not come empty-handed but with the fruits of love, charity, and faithfulness to offer.”
In this season of preparation, may we live as faithful stewards, offering sacrifices of praise and bearing witness to the hope of Christ’s coming.
Come, Lord Jesus!