Pentecost 25 – Don’t Bury the Gifts

Don’t Bury the Gifts

A short reflection based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Matthew 25:14-30.

Both Paul and Jesus ask an important question: how should we live while we wait for God’s future to unfold?

Paul tells the Thessalonians not to spend their energy worrying about dates and times. Instead, they are to stay awake, hold onto faith, love and hope, and “encourage one another and build up each other.” Faithful waiting is active. It means becoming people through whom God’s love is already visible.

Jesus’ parable of the talents makes a similar point. The servants are entrusted with extraordinary gifts. Two use what they have received, while the third buries his gift because he is afraid. Fear persuades him that keeping everything safe is better than taking a risk.

That temptation still exists. Churches can become so concerned with preserving buildings, traditions or familiar ways of doing things that preservation quietly becomes the mission. But the gifts Jesus gives us – compassion, forgiveness, hospitality, courage, justice and hope – were never meant to be buried. They are meant to be used.

Every time we welcome someone who feels excluded, encourage someone who is struggling, challenge injustice, care for creation, feed someone who is hungry or offer companionship to someone who is lonely, we put those gifts to work.

Paul calls us “children of light.” Light doesn't exist for itself. It illuminates the way for others.

Faithful waiting means recognising that God has already placed extraordinary gifts into our hands and saying: use them generously, use them courageously, and build something beautiful.

Don’t let fear bury your gifts. What God has entrusted to us becomes life-giving when it's used in the service of love.

Waiting can be active. We participate in God’s Kingdom whenever we encourage others, welcome outsiders, seek justice and care for creation.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here:  https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-25-15-november-2026