Our Talents

11-19-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." (Psalm 28:7). First of all, I wish you all an Advance Happy Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving Day gives us the opportunity to pause our lives for a day to reflect on everything we're thankful to God and surrounded by the people who matter most. As usually, there will be a Mass at St. Lawrence. You are most welcome.

On this 33rd Sunday the readings are calling us to do the work of the Kingdom of God with the gifts we have been given. The first reading sings the praises of the worthy wife who uses her talents to labor for good. The psalm tells us that those who follow the Lord are blessed.

In the gospel Jesus tells the parable of the talents. The passage emphasizes the importance of wisely managing resources or gifts given by God. Each servant in the parable is held accountable for how they use their talents.

The first two servants who invested their talents are taking a risk, suggesting that spiritual growth often involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone. They are also suggesting the value of effort and diligence in spiritual life. The two servants who have multiplied their talents are commended for their stewardship. But the third is reprimanded because he has not produced the expected results. He is like the rich young man who goes away despondent because he cannot part with his possessions. He has chosen his safety and self-interest and refused to reach for higher goals.

God has endowed each one of us with different talents. Each, according to our various capacities. So, as faithful servants, he expects to render a good account of the “talents” we have received. Jesus challenges us to be prudent and productive with our talents. Most importantly, he admonishes us to live in anticipation of His inevitable return. We must not wait for this return in idleness. Rather, we must be active and industrious with the talents we have received. So, we must use our talents to the glory of God.

As trustworthy servants, we should avoid indifference, apathy, licentiousness, sloth, complacency towards our mission. These will not fetch us any reward from Christ. If we are faithful and productive with the talents we have received, Christ our head will also say to us: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Have a Blessed Sunday!