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
...master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them
Living in a world of “what ifs” and comparing myself to others, I make the mistake of not thanking God enough for the gifts, talents, and countless mercies He has given me. Afraid of not excelling, many times I do not utilize my talents.
My reasoning is, if I was an excellent cook, then I would host many dinners, if I had better vision, I would read longer hours, learn countless facts and share with others. I could fill this reflection with all the “what if’s” that hold me back from being fruitful in His Kingdom. Unfortunately, I fail to appreciate the very talents He has given me.
God trusts me with His gifts, and supplies me with the means for using them in a good way, advancing towards God. Neglecting or squandering these talents causes me to slip away from Him. So if we have a talent for singing, working hard, visiting the sick, praying, writing poetry, record keeping, beautiful voice put them to good use for God's Kingdom. We all have a talent that we can share.
PAPA has many retreats and conferences. The opportunity is always there to share our talents. Consider becoming more active using your spiritual gifts and talents. Your talents are God's gifts to you, what you do with it is your gift to God.
St Gregory the Great stated, "All the good deeds of our present life, however many they may appear to be are few in comparison with our eternal recompense."
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