today's other readings are Psalm 50 and Mk. 10: 28-31
We have returned back to the Season of Ordinary Time, and this season will continue until we start Advent on December 3rd.
Our reading from Jesus ben Sirach provides a sobering reminder: "Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed ..."
This thought reminds of a basic reality - God has blessed us with so many gifts and talents, as well as the gift of our lives - and one day we will have to give an account of this life. What we will be able to share with the Lord? The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 teaches us that we will be asked to give an account of what we have done, which is reinforced by St. Paul in Romans 14:12.
I pray that every singe one of us will have much to show.