Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Mt 25:14-30

Use Your Talents

The readings for this Sunday remind us that we are  to make God’s reign real in the here and now by using the gifts we have been given. The first reading tells us of the worthy wife who uses her talents to labor for good. In the second reading, Paul reminds us that the return of the Lord is coming and what really matters is that the Lord finds us using the new life, the graces He has given to us.  In the gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the talents and praises the servants who used their gifts wisely.

We have been taught over and over that God loves everyone. This is absolutely true and we know that God does love all of us equally. We also know that God provides everyone with gifts or talents. We do not receive the same talents nor do we receive them to the same degree. The parable from the Sunday gospel talks about gifts bestowed upon some workers and how they are used. “Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–to each according to his ability.” The key to the story is about what happens when the master returns from his journey.

When the man returns he wants an accounting of how his gifts were used. “After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The 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.’ His 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.’ Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His 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.’ Then 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; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His 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? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For 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. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'”

We have often been told that what we give away is often returned a hundred fold. That’s the law of sharing our gifts with others. We may have been given artistic gifts or musical talent. We may have the gift of playing in sports or we may be good at wring. These tend to be visible gifts, but most of us have not received those kinds of gifts. Our gifts or talents may be the gift of kindness or deep caring for the needs of others. You may be gifted with the ability to be a loving and nurturing parent. You may be gifted to offer a smile to all you meet, even if you are in pain. Sharing your time with others is a gift that someone may desperately need. Driving a neighbor to an appointment is a practical gift that can’t be measured. You may be gifted with the ability to share your faith with others.

The parable of the talents asks us to be aware of what we are doing with the gifts that God has given us. When we use our gifts well we are contributing to making the Reign of God real in our own environment. When our time on earth has ended, we should be ready to explain how we have been good stewards of all the gifts and talents that God has given us. Will we be seen as good and faithful servants or will we called useless servants thrown into the darkness. The choice is always ours to make. Choose wisely!

What do you consider your most productive gift or talent?

How do you foster your gifts and talents?

In what ways do you share your gifts with others?