Our Talents
Prov. 31:10-13.19-20. 30-31; Ps. 128; 1 Thess. 5:1-6; Matt. 25:14-30
Matthew 25:14–30 presents us with the parable of the talents. This parable shows that we are not gifted equally. All fingers are not equal, they say. However, our inherent human inequality should not lead us to despair or envy. On the contrary, inequalities are diversity, and diversity is the spice of life. We all have talents, but a little headwork and hard work make the difference. Don’t just learn how to use your hand; equally, learn to use your head. Other themes today include:
Responsible Stewards: The parable highlights the idea of responsible stewardship by showing how God gives people access to various opportunities, resources, and skills. It exhorts us to make prudent use of our gifts in order to further God’s kingdom. The first reading from the book of Proverbs described a personality, serving her loved ones, and uniting all the members of her family in a community of love. This woman was not sitting idle. We, too, should not be idle like the man who neglected his talent.
Obedient Service: The parable honors people who used their gifts faithfully and effectively. It exhorts us to use our gifts with diligence, faithfulness, and initiative. We are often not faithful to our gifts; we rather envy other people’s gifts and engage in unhealthy competition.
Accountability: The servants were accountable for their gifts. This emphasizes the notion that we shall be accountable to God for the opportunities, talents, time, and resources in our care. We shall all give account for our lives, and we shall be rewarded according to what we have done (Rev. 22:12).
Consequences: The parable serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when one’s abilities go unutilized. It is important to actively participate in God’s work. The servant who buried his talent faced condemnation. If we fail to use our talents, we will face the consequences. Don’t bury or conceal your abilities. Paul said to the Thessalonians in the second reading, Be ready for the Lord’s coming. While we await the Lord’s coming, let’s keep working—expressing our talents and fulfilling purposes.
Let us pray
Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
