April 11 2021

First Reading

2 Timothy 2:1-13

And as for you, my son, be strengthened by the grace which is in Christ Jesus, and by

the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses. These things

encourage faithful men, who shall then be suitable to teach others also. Labor like a

good soldier of Christ Jesus. No man, acting as a soldier for God, entangles himself in

worldly matters, so that he may be pleasing to him for whom he has proven himself.

Then, too, whoever strives in a competition is not crowned, unless he has competed

lawfully. The farmer who labors ought to be the first to share in the produce.

Understand what I am saying. For the Lord will give you understanding in all things. Be

mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the offspring of David, has risen again from

the dead, according to my Gospel. I labor in this Gospel, even while chained like an

evildoer. But the Word of God is not bound. I endure all things for this reason: for the

sake of the elect, so that they, too, may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with

heavenly glory. It is a faithful saying: that if we have died with him, we will also live with

him. If we suffer, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. If we

are unfaithful, he remains faithful: he is not able to deny himself.

Second Reading

1 Peter 5:1-11

Herefore, I beg the elders who are among you, as one who is also an elder and a witness

of the Passion of Christ, who also shares in that glory which is to be revealed in the

future: pasture the flock of God that is among you, providing for it, not as a

requirement, but willingly, in accord with God, and not for the sake of tainted profit, but

freely, not so as to dominate by means of the clerical state, but so as to be formed into

a flock from the heart. And when the Leader of pastors will have appeared, you shall

secure an unfading crown of glory. Similarly, young persons, be subject to the elders.

And infuse all humility among one another, for God resists the arrogant, but to the

humble he gives grace. And so, be humbled under the powerful hand of God, so that he

may exalt you in the time of visitation. Cast all your cares upon him, for he takes care of

you. Be sober and vigilant. For your adversary, the devil, is like a roaring lion, traveling

around and seeking those whom he might devour. Resist him by being strong in faith,

being aware that the same passions afflict those who are your brothers in the world. But

the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself

perfect, confirm, and establish us, after a brief time of suffering. To him be glory and

dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel

Matthew 25:14-30

For it is like a man setting out on a long journey, who called his servants and delivered

to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, yet to another

he gave one, to each according to his own ability. And promptly, he set out. Then he

who had received five talents went out, and he made use of these, and he gained

another five. And similarly, he who had received two gained another two. But he who

had received one, going out, dug into the earth, and he hid the money of his lord. Yet

truly, after a long time, the lord of those servants returned and he settled accounts with

them. And when he who had received five talents approached, he brought another five

talents, saying: 'Lord, you delivered five talents to me. Behold, I have increased it by

another five.' His lord said to him: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have

been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the

gladness of your lord.' Then he who had received two talents also approached, and he

said: 'Lord, you delivered two talents to me. Behold, I have gained another two.' His lord

said to him: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a

few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your

lord.' Then he who had received one talent, approaching, said: 'Lord, I know that you are

a hard man. You reap where you have not sown, and gather where you have not

scattered.

25 And so, being afraid, I went out and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have

what is yours.'

26 But his lord said to him in response: 'You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I reap

where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered.

27 Therefore, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and then, at my

arrival, at least I would have received what is mine with interest.

28 And so, take the talent away from him and give it the one who has ten talents.

29 For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he shall have in abundance. But

from him who has not, even what he seems to have, shall be taken away.

30 And cast that useless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping

and gnashing of teeth.'