Like the man and his servants in this gospel, Jesus has entrusted to you and to me his “property.” He has not given any one of us all his property. He has divided his property among us, his servants, according to our abilities. Our abilities differ, and the property given varies, but the expectation is the same – to be fruitful. There will be a day when our “master” returns and settles accounts. When the time comes, what will we bring forth?
Consider what the master asks of the third servant. He has entrusted to him over 12% of his property. Not as much as the others but, still, a significant amount. What he expects in return, at least, is interest from the bankers. Minimal risk. Jesus knows the gift, our abilities, and the many ways we can steward his gift.
The gift given, even if it is only one talent, is precious and must be responsibly used for the good of all. Buried, the gift itself becomes “worthless.” Are we given contemplation? How do we share it? How do we give it away? Perhaps it is adoration. What is in this prayer for others? Perhaps it is anger at injustice. Where do we invest our anger for the good of others? Perhaps it is a still, small voice that beckons us beyond ourselves into service to strangers. Do you listen to it?
What is true for us as individuals, is also true for our community of faith. There is a lot for us to be afraid of these days – both in our personal life and in our communal life. Do we believe in Jesus? Do we trust him to know what we can handle? Can we trust him enough to mustard the courage to share what we have been given to the poor, the marginalized, the frantic, and the perplexed?
When reflecting on this gospel, Pope Francis called on young people to think about the talents God has given to them. He goes on to say to them, and to all of us, “Life is not given to us to be jealously guarded for ourselves, but that we may give it in turn. Dear young people, have a deep spirit! Do not be afraid to dream great things!”
The temptation is great. There is so much unrest at home and abroad. Let’s just circle our wagons, care for our own, and be “extra” in our Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations and activities. What are we burying with all these activities?
Jesus wants to share with us his joy. There is a cost to discipleship. The day of the Lord is coming. We must be “alert and sober.” Like a worthy wife, we are to be industrious, care for the poor, and serve “the city.” We must be prepared like the wise maidens and use the “talents” for the good of God’s people as trustworthy servants.
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is faith in the face of fear.
Notes on the Sunday Readings
First Reading
Proverbs extols the “worthy” wife who receives her husband’s heart, fears God, is industrious in the home, and cares for the poor. Value her labor and her service to the “the city.”
Psalm
We are blessed when we fear the Lord and walk in his ways. This path, sings the Psalmist, brings peace to the home, “fruit” for your labor, and serves the common good.
Second Reading
St. Paul reminds us that “the day of the Lord will come.” We cannot “rest” in human accomplishments. We must be “alert and sober.”
Gospel
Jesus tells us the parable of the talents. A man, before he leaves on a journey, entrusts his possessions to three servants. To one he gives five talents, another two, and a third, one, each “according to his abilities.” Two servants doubled the talents entrusted to them. The third servant, consumed by fear, hid the one talent he was given. When the man returned, and settled his accounts with his servants, he was overjoyed with the first two and furious with the third, calling him a “wicked, lazy servant!”
Notes and commentary by Don McCrabb, D. Min.,
Executive Director of the United States Catholic Mission Association.