Today’s Gospel is the parable of the talents. It links in different ways with both earlier readings. In the second reading St tells the Thessalonians that we cannot know when the day of the Lord will come – it will come upon us as suddenly as the labour pains on a pregnant woman – so we need to live in a state of constant readiness as befits sons and daughters of the light. The first reading, by contrast, illustrates how a perfect wife makes the most of her talents and opportunities and gives a level of recognition to the woman’s contribution to the home and family finances in a way that seems surprising for Old Testament times. Between them these readings suggest different ways we can see our Lord’s parable. We can take it as a moral exhortation to make the most of what is given us. We can also see a darker more challenging side. One day we will have to give account to God for how we have used the opportunities and talents he has given us. We have but one life to lead. Every moment is too precious to be wasted.