The Parable of the Talents (AUGUST 31, 2013 GOSPEL AND REFLECTION) Mt 25:14-30 [Jesus told his disciples this parable,] 14“It will be as when a man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one—to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately 16the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. 17Likewise, the one who received two made another two. 18But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money… 20The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’… 24Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; 25so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ 26His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? 27Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? 28Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. 29For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ ” Reflection: Out of fear I went off and buried your talent. Perhaps most people think of sin as willfully doing wrong: sin is something we commit. That is correct. But there is also the sin of omission, that is, neglecting to do what we are supposed to do. The Lord has given each of us “talents”—gifts and opportunities God expects us to care for and make productive for God’s kingdom and for the good of people. We sin not only when we do wrong but also when we refuse to use God’s gifts. The parable also tells us that often the reason for our failure to use God’s gifts properly is fear: “Out of fear I buried your talent.” That is why the Lord frequently tells us in the Bible, “Do not be afraid.” Do not bury God’s gifts!
Posted on: Sat, 31 Aug 2013 10:24:32 +0000
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