November 12, 2020

                                                     Matthew 25:14-30

Scripture readings

for Sunday, Nov. 15

Zephaniah 1:7,12-18

Psalm 90:1-8

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Matthew 25:14-30

REFLECTION

This week's reflection comes from The Rev. Lori Kochanski, Assistant to the Bishop for Faith Formation

I remember the first time our young nephew came to our house after our cat Jack died.  He and Jack, the cat, were best buds his whole little life.  The minute he came in the door he would always call for Jack.  

In the car on the way to the house we talked about how it would be different without Jack there.  But, when we actually stepped in the house and he was not there...oh, it was so hard.  Quiet little boy tears started and were followed by my own tears.  And all I could do was hold him. I forced myself to not say any of those things adults say to make little kids feel better. We cried in the quiet.  

I like to believe that he learned that day that some things in life, like death, don't have to make any sense. I also like to think he learned a lesson about how to be in those times.

In life, sometimes the biggest gift we can give each other when facing hard truth is silence and presence.  When tempted to share platitudes of, "It will work out in the end."  Or, one I have used in a lot of sermons, "But we all know the end of the story, Jesus is raised and we are saved."

And there is nothing I can say to make you feel better about this text.  Taken by itself, this is not a view of the God I believe in.

If I step back, I take note that this parable directly follows the parable from last week and the message to "Keep Awake."  I can feel the urgency building toward the culmination of the set of parables and a declaration of the nature of God (which comes next week, so stay tuned).  

Today's story is filled with force and hard truth. It's the fire and brimstone sermon when you just want a good, kind feel good story.

Jesus highlights the cruel, unfair nature of humanity and what can happen when the most powerful gives (limited and measured and contained) power to the people.

I end this rambling musing with an invitation to sit with the text and notice what rises in you.  And let it rise, noticing how God holds you and is still teaching us.

A practice:

Stop.

Sit with the words of this text. Read them out loud.  

Remember where they came from.

Notice where you are drawn into the story.

What is your prayer when you get to the end of the passage?

14"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.' 21His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' 22And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, 'Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.' 23His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' 24Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' 26But his master replied, 'You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

PRAYER REQUESTS

Names will remain of the Prayer List for a month - at which

time it will be taken off unless, or course, there is still a continued need

for our prayers and we’re asked to keep the name on.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pastor Ivy will be on vacation 11/10-11/16. In the event of a pastoral emergency, you can contact Ned Lindstrom at 716-490-3820.

Pastor Ivy is having back surgery on 11/17 and a second procedure on 12/1. While she is out, you can contact Pastor Heather Allport-Cohoon if there is a need for pastoral care. She can be reached at 716-708-6466.

Synodically Authorized Minister Ned Lindstrom will be leading worship and preaching on Sundays. He can be reached at 716-490-3820.

                                                                           We have returned to

                                                    worshiping in the sanctuary as

                                                    well as worshiping in our cars.

                                                  Time:  10:00 a.m.

                                                      Place:  3748 Rt. 430

                                                     Length:  30 minutes

Coming inside? COME EARLY!

***St. Timothy’s commitment to 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes Ministry

We continuously collect food items for the 5 & 2 Ministry.  Bring your donations and place in the black bin in church narthex.  Lists detailing items needed are also available in the narthex.  Monetary donations welcome! Contact Gale-Svenson-Campbell for details gales1949@gmail.com.

***5 & 2 Ministry Food Bins Donated to Date:  86

***ONLINE GIVING now available at St. Timothy for Debit/Credit cards.   3 ways to give:

   - Go directly to our website at www.sttimothybemus.com

   - Use our QR code with the QR reader on your smartphone

   - Download the app ‘GivePlus Church’. Create an account.  

For further information, see Kathy Carlson on Sundays or call her at 485-1316.

Anyone have any pictures or stories that they would like to share?  Send them to sttimothy2015@gmail.com