Sunday Mass Companion
Put your gifts to work
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time · November 15, 2026 · Matthew 25:14–30 (or 25:14–15, 19–21)
Gospel · Matthew 25:14–30 (or 25:14–15, 19–21)
Put your gifts to work
A man entrusts different amounts to three servants. Two put what they receive to work; one hides it in the ground because he is afraid. When the master returns, each servant accounts for what was entrusted.
Bring it into ordinary life
The parable is not a ranking of human worth by money, achievement or visible success. Each servant receives a different trust, and the danger is allowing fear to bury the good that could be offered. Your gift may be patient listening, practical skill, time, influence or the courage to ask for help. Name one real gift without pretending you can do everything. Then choose a proportionate way to use it for someone else. Faithfulness grows when gratitude becomes responsible action, not when we compare our results with another person’s.
With younger children
What is one gift or skill you enjoy sharing with other people?
With older children
How can fear of failure keep a useful gift hidden?
One action this week
Let the Gospel take shape
Choose one ability, hour or resource you can offer for a specific need this week.
Pray together
Lord, thank You for what You entrust to each of us. Free us from comparison and fear, and teach us to use our gifts with courage and love. Amen.
An original prayer for personal and family use.
All of this Sunday’s reading references
- Proverbs 31:10–13, 19–20, 30–31
- Psalm 128:1–5
- 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6
- Matthew 25:14–30 (or 25:14–15, 19–21)
Read these passages in your Bible before Mass. On Sunday, our companion site also offers the day’s readings for personal prayer.
Today’s readings on Life of the SaintsThe companion uses the World English Bible, whose wording differs from the approved U.S. Mass lectionary.
Sources & reading notes
Original reflection by Life of a Catholic. Scripture references follow the U.S. Roman Catholic calendar; local celebrations may differ.
USCCB: reading reference (opens in a new tab)↗