Today’s Gospel:  Matthew 25:14-30

REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel emphasizes not entrance into the kingdom of heaven, but the place of authority and importance which might be gained or lost within the kingdom. Paul taught that service rendered by Christians would be examined in the fires of God’s scrutiny, and that we would either be rewarded or suffer loss according to the results of that examination at the Judgment Seat of Christ (see 1 Cor. 3:11–15 and 2 Cor. 5:10). The parable contrasts the excitement and enthusiasm of the diligent servants with the complacency and content of others who were lazy. Some were “about their master’s business”; but the others could not have cared less.

It must be remembered that in Bible times, slaves could not own anything; they and their possessions belonged to their master. When the departing lord delivered his property to the servants, he was commissioning them to work for him during his absence. He said, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability.... ” In local terms, this passage may be translated as follows: “He gave 250,000 pesos to one, 100,000 pesos to another, and 50,000 pesos to the last - dividing it in proportion to their abilities, and then left on his trip.” This Scripture is filled with potent suggestions. (1) Every person has a talent given by God. It can, and should be used for His glory. (2) One man appeared to have more talents than his neighbor, but that was inconsequential since the master rewarded faithfulness and not merely success. (3) The man who did nothing had no excuse for his indolence. It would have been better to try and fail than to do nothing. Excitement may be found even in the business effort itself; to see the initial investment increasing quickens the pulse and gladdens the heart, but to remain idle is an indication of laziness, complacency, and decline. When Jesus taught this parable, He was issuing warnings not only to His immediate listeners, but to all who believed He would return to establish a kingdom upon earth. We should work while it is day; the night comes when no man can work!

When we compare this account with another Scripture in Luke’s Gospel, the picture becomes increasingly dramatic. “And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man; thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow” (Luke 19:20–21). It is thought-provoking to notice that the man who did nothing for his master tried to excuse himself by blaming the austerity of his lord. Yet in so doing he condemned himself. If he were aware of the master’s expertise in trading, he should have worked ceaselessly, emulating his example. What was the man doing all the time the money lay buried in the ground? Was he keeping a lonely vigil over the hidden talent? Unused limbs lose their flexibility; they become stiff and rigid; talents not used can never increase. It is better to wear out than to rust out!

Matthew mentions talents, which were a measurement of weight; Luke mentions pounds, which were money. The value of the talent was governed by the metal with which it was identified. A talent of gold was much more than a talent of silver or copper. A pound remained unchanged whatever the time or season of the year. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:8-12 reminded his readers that the gifts of the Spirit are varied; men do not share identical talents. Some are blessed with amazing musical abilities; others who cannot sing a note, may have brilliant business instincts. Some people are skilled organizers; others excel in courage and may become untiring missionaries in hostile countries. Some followers of Christ may appear to have no gifts, but they render faithful service to other people. Jesus said that even this kind of unspectacular service gains its reward; that help given to ordinary men and women was something given to Him. The most important lesson of this parable seems to be that if we use what we have, God will give us more. If we remain inactive, we lose what we have and finish with nothing.

Today’s Reading:  1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

PRAYER
Lord, let me discover that talent which you have blessed me with.  And then let me not waste any opportunity to use this talent for your honor and greater glory.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.