In today’s Gospel parable of the talents, the master entrusted money to his servants and then set out on a journey.

On his return, those bringing the master their profit acknowledge openly what is their own and what is their masters. One says “Sir you gave me five talents”; another says “you gave me two”, recognizing that they had received from him the talents and the means of making a profit. They are extremely grateful, and attribute to him all their success.

What does the master say to them? “Well done good and faithful servants… come share your master’s joy”.

In the cycle of readings, the first reading is usually connected with the gospel. Today’s first reading describes the perfect wife reflecting the standards of ancient Israel. We can still learn from this reading that she is a person who is industrious, caring, wise and virtuous. She is a person who has truly used her God given gifts as a wife and mother.