Today's first reading is beautiful. It explains the qualities of a good wife and more so of a good woman. Unfortunately for some people, this reading would put women in a very limited role.
   Today's women are not staying home to spindle and set the table for dinner. There are many women who are in the workforce, which is good. However, traditional roles should not be diminished or ignored and more so be seen as demeaning. Women who stay home are as hard workers as those who work outside the home.  Let no one take offense at the first reading for it highlights the beauty and hard work of women. At first this reading seems disconnected from the other readings, but it is really related to all the other readings, which are about the end of times. The message is simple:  work hard whether woman or man until the end of times. The second reading says the end of times will come like the pains of labor. A total surprise for those who waste their lives in trivial pursuits. The end of times (or more precise the Second Coming of the Lord) will come, and many (if not the majority) will be caught unaware.  Some will be just plain lazy in their lives without any motivation to work for their salvation. Some certainly will do something with their lives but something bad, engaging in sinful actions and thus they will be addressed as wicked. All of them at the Second Coming they will be cast out to the dark and there will be wailing and grinding of teeth, a just punishment.
     The second reading gives a very good advice:  stay sober and alert and it can be added to be active, work hard, and do good for  others. The gospel reading talks about the parable of the talents. It is often associated with a skill or a gift to be put into the service of the community.  This again ties in with the other readings, while waiting for the Second Coming use natural talents to enhance and improve the community of God. Do good to the community by being a  faithful servant until the end, then a reward for the just will be given, namely sharing in the Master's joy for all eternity. The parable of the talent it cannot be forgotten really speaks of monetary value. A talent was worth a lot of money…almost a year's salary. Ten talents was a lot of money entrusted but even one was significant. All this explanation is to say God has entrusted much, let's not squander (or worse bury) what God has intended to be used in the community. Women have special talents pertaining to them, men have their own talents too. Whether woman or man, all are called to use what God has given for the betterment of the church as all actively await the arrival of the Lord.