Charm is deceptive

Two of today’s readings seem to resonate especially strongly with the days in which we are now living, but not always with comfort (and the third does not seem very comforting either).

Today’s Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30) is apparently a parable about investments (resonating with the crises in today's investment and credit markets): a parable that ends with what sounds like a devastatingly brutal restatement of the common complaint “The richer get richer and the poor get poorer”.

For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

Not the most comforting words, it might seem.

The second reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6) may resonate strongly with those who have been devastated by the bursting of economic bubbles:

When people are saying, "Peace and security, "
then sudden disaster comes upon them,
like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,
and they will not escape.

Again, perhaps not the most comforting words.

The first reading (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31), in contrast, seems to conflict strongly with today’s experiences: to the point where it may sound offensive to many – singing the praises of “a worthy wife” whose worth apparently lies in working like a dog.

Again, perhaps not the most comforting words.

The key of this passage, as is often the case, may be found in its last section, which begins with these words:

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting...

One does not have to be the most brilliant of Scripture scholars to recognize that the substance of what is said here about “a worthy wife” can and should be said about anyone: male or female, married or unmarried.

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the (ones who fear the LORD are) to be praised.
Give (them) a reward for (their) labors,
and let (their) works praise (them) at the city gates.

What is truly important, what is truly valuable, is a true faith in God that manifests itself in deeds.

Eloquent words, charming demeanor, physical beauty, pleasurable objects, financial riches... all these things will fall short, fail, and turn to dust and decay.

The chilling words at the end of today’s Gospel apply to those who fail to develop and use faith in their lives: they grow rich in eternal wealth, while those who have focused solely on this world’s wealth – meaningless as it ultimately is - will lose even that.

For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

Again, as Saint Paul says in the second reading:

When people are saying, "Peace and security, "
then sudden disaster comes upon them,
like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,
and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,
for that day to overtake you like a thief.

For all of you are children of the light
and children of the day.

We are not of the night or of darkness.

Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do,
but let us stay alert and sober.