Matthew 25, 14-30.
This parable, part of Matthew’s Eschatological Discourse, (about the end- times) {Chs. 24-25}, deals with the importance for the first century Christians of using God’s gifts to their maximum potential as they await the end of the world. It is just as important for us to do the same in our time.
Matthew’s gospel recognises that there is a delay in the coming of the end of the world, and in the meantime, Christians should be alert to the danger of getting tired of waiting and of becoming lukewarm, careless, unprepared, and lacking in vigilance as they await the end of the world. Today’s parable follows immediately after the Parable of the Five Wise and Five Foolish Virgins (25,1-13) dealing with their preparedness, or lack of it, as they await the coming of the bridegroom to the wedding- feast.
This parable deals with the proper use of God’s gifts by Christians as they await the coming of the end of the world. The first “servant” used to the full the five talents he was given. A “talent” was worth about 5,000 denarii, and a denarius was an average day’s pay at the time. Given five talents, the first man was entrusted with sizeable wealth with which to trade. The recipients of the two and one talents were entrusted with considerable responsibility, too. The first two men are called a “good and faithful servants” for their shrewd and profitable investment of their master’s talents. They traded with his money and each one was a hundred per-cent successful.
The man given the one talent judges himself by his own words in which he recognises that his master is a tough and demanding man, and by his inaction in response to this fact. Instead of trading with the talent he buries it and his hopes for the future. His inactivity condemns him as a “wicked and lazy servant” because he did nothing with the talent he was given.
The talent is taken from him and given to the man with the five talents because he will use it well. The last verse of the parable makes this lazy, unprofitable idler an example of what will befall those who squander the gifts of God, and ignore the demands of the kingdom, and are unprepared for the judgement the kingdom will bring.
From this parable we learn that God’s gifts are commensurate with the abilities of the receiver. (V14). But the important thing is not what we receive but how we use what we have received. This applies to all gifts, graces, and opportunities, which God gives each of us.
The better we use the gifts we are given the more gifts we receive in return from God. “I will trust you with greater things.” (V 21). “To the one who has, more will be given.” (V29).
Fear prevented the third man from using the talent which God gave to him. What talents/personal gifts has God given you? Do you use to the full all the graces, gifts, and opportunities which God gives you?
How does belief in the Last Judgement influence the way you live your life in the present?
How have you helped people who are housebound, disabled, lonely or depressed? Have you prayed for them or with them?
Have you helped your local parish in any way?
Fr Geoff O’Grady