Talents: Gifts Entrusted, Not Kept

In the waning light of Ordinary Time's embrace,

A parable unfolds, with truth we must face.

The talents we're given, a gift from above,

Are treasures to cherish, expressions of love.

 

In Matthew's Gospel, the message is clear,

Three servants entrusted, talents held dear.

Two boldly invested, their faith shining bright,

Multiplying their gifts with all of their might.

 

But one, filled with fear, buried deep in the ground,

His talent unspent, no abundance was found.

The master returned to assess what they'd done,

With joy for the faithful, but for one, there was none.

 

For the talents we're given, God's trust in our care,

Are meant to be shared, not hidden in despair.

With courage and purpose, let's use them to bless,

To relieve others' burdens, their sorrows, distress.

 

As we ponder these words on this Sunday so true,

May we open our hearts to the grace that's in view.

To invest in God's kingdom, His love to proclaim,

And multiply blessings in Jesus' name.

 

So, reflect on the talents entrusted to thee,

Are they used for God's glory, for all eyes to see?

For the challenge remains, as the readings unfold,

To invest in God's kingdom with hearts made of gold.

 

 

Friends, The Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, marks the nearing end of the liturgical year, when the readings begin to invite us to contemplate the ultimate reality of our existence and the second coming of Christ. This Sunday’s Gospel reading, Matthew 25:14-30, presents the Parable of the Talents. This powerful story teaches us about the responsibility and stewardship of the gifts and resources that God has entrusted to us.

 

In the parable, a master gives talents (a form of currency in biblical times) to his three servants. Two of them invest and double the talents they received, while the third servant buries his talent out of fear and returns it without any increase. The master commends the first two servants for their faithful stewardship and entrusts them with even more responsibility, while he chastises the third servant for his fear and lack of initiative.

 

This parable challenges us to reflect on how we use the gifts and talents that God has bestowed upon us. It's a reminder that God expects us to actively and creatively invest and multiply the blessings we have received. Whether these blessings are our time, talents, resources, or opportunities, we are called to use them for the greater good and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.

 

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, let us be inspired by the Parable of the Talents to be faithful and creative stewards of the blessings we have received, knowing that our actions have the potential to bear fruit for the glory of God and the well-being of our neighbors.

 

 

Reflection Questions:

 

1.     What talents and resources has God entrusted to me, and how am I using them for the benefit of others and God's kingdom?

 

2.      Am I allowing fear or complacency to hold me back from taking risks and making the most of the opportunities God presents in my life?

Have a great Thanksgivng Week!  Be sure to pray for me as I will be praying for all of you! !