Prayer

Acknowledgement of Country 

We acknowledge and pay respect to the original and ongoing custodians of the land upon which our offices are situated.We commit to actively working alongside First Nations people for healing, reconciliation and justice.

The Catholic education faith community is inclusive and acknowledges that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and we are created in love. People of all faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities and cultures are therefore respected equally in the Sandhurst Catholic community.  

We acknowledge the pain and suffering of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who have betrayed the trust placed in them.

May we all stand tall, stand firm, grounded in truth, together as one. 

A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 25:14-30 

“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one, he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. At once the one who had received the five talents went off and traded with them and made five more talents. 

In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then 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.’ His master said, ‘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.’ 

And 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.’ His master said, ‘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.’ Then 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, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’

But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reaped where I did not sow and gathered where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return, I would have received what was my own with interest. So, take the talent from him and give it to the one with the ten talents. For 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. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The Gospel of the Lord 

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ 

Spiritual Reflection

The Parable of the Talents conveys a powerful message about stewardship and accountability. In this passage, a master entrusts varying amounts of talents to his servants before embarking on a journey. The two faithful servants invest and double their talents, earning the master's commendation. However, the third servant, out of fear, buries his talent and faces the master's rebuke. This parable urges us to responsibly use and multiply the gifts and opportunities given by God. It teaches that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater responsibilities. Ultimately, it challenges us to live purposefully and invest our abilities for God's glory.

• You have been gifted with a myriad of talents 
• Reflect upon the gifts God has given you 
• Are you using your gifts for the greater glory of God?

Concluding Prayer

Dear Lord, 

Grant us the wisdom to recognise and use the talents and opportunities you’ve given to us. May we be faithful stewards, investing in your kingdom with generosity and courage. Help us to overcome fear and embrace the responsibility to use our gifts for your greater glory. 

Amen