Today's Gospel reading is the familiar parable of the Talents. We immediately think of our duty to provide for our family and share our treasure with those less fortunate; and so, we must.
But the spiritual 'talents' --God's graces--have far reaching implications in this life and the next. St Monica, who's Feast day we celebrate today, took seriously God's graces to pray for the conversion of her son; a future doctor and great teacher of the church. He gained eternal life because of his mother's sacrificial response. Oh that my response to God's graces (talents) generously given to me might return to Him a hundredfold and more than He gave me.
