1st READING
The point of all the imagery here is to create an atmosphere for action. What is the action? It is giving glory, honor, and power to the Lord. This is precisely the meaning of our very being—to give praise, glory, and honor to the Lord in the world and to be with Him in the next, doing exactly the same sort of thing. This reminds us that no matter what happens in our lives, we should praise God..
Revelation 4:1-11 (or Acts 28:11-16, 30-31)
PSALM
Psalm 150:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (or Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6)
R: Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!
GOSPEL
God expects us to use the gifts He gives us not only for our own pleasure and glory but for His Kingdom. We do not have to earn our way into heaven, but it certainly helps if we express our gratitude to God for His many gifts and blessings by giving back. Let us open our hearts and minds to His call so we will know how God wants us to serve.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
Luke 19:11-28 (or Matthew 14:22-33)
11 While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. 12 So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ 14 His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’ 15 But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’ 17 He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ 18 Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’ 19 And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’ 20 Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’ 22 He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; 23 why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’ 24 And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ 25 But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ 26 He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.’” 28 After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.