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. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money. 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.'"
REFLECTION
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.
Everything we have has been entrusted to us by God. Money, time. health and abilities are gifts from God and we are to use them for His purposes. Many allow fear to paralyze their use of these gifts or envy to cloud their gratitude when they want what another person got for a talent.
There will be an accounting of what we have done with all that He has given us--time, talent and treasure. The greatest gift from God is His Son, Jesus, and He will show us what to do in the service of God and His people. His gift of His Son is given to all. It is up to us to accept Him or not.
Do we use our time well such as getting up early for morning prayers, reciting the rosary, going to confession, Mass and Adoration, helping take care of or driving others to the doctors, church, grocery store, taking communion to those who are home bound?
Certain talents can be in cooking, hospitality or teaching. Volunteer to bring food to retreats, conferences, Church gatherings or funerals. We can be a greeter at Church, or if we have a loud voice lead the parishioners in the rosary. Or volunteer to teach Faith Formation, CCE or Mother's Day Out. Faith can become a hidden talent if we do not grow in it.
Every treasure we have and every cent we earn is a gift from God. He has given us the ability and the skill to work. Ten percent of our earnings is what the Bible says to give. Many have experienced that the more generous we are, the more God gives to us. Share your financial wealth with the Church, and other charitable organizations. 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.
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