For this Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, we continue our journey with Jesus and his disciples through the Gospel of Matthew and respond to Jesus’ call to discipleship. Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the LORD will be filled with wrath and distress. In Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good. In a world filled with violence and despair, we gather around signs of hope – word, water, bread, and wine – eager to welcome the good news of Christ’s coming among us.