Pr.31:10-13,19-20,30-31 R.Ps.128 1 Th.5:1-6 Mt.25:14-30
A king had three sons. The first an excellent doctor, the second a good builder and the third a farmer. The king left on a journey and during his absence an epidemic spread throughout the country. Thanks to his skill, the doctor saved many lives. When great storms destroyed many of the houses, the builder helped people with low-cost housing. But when a famine raged in the area, the third son did nothing to alleviate the suffering of people while the stores were filled with the grain that had been harvested. When the father returned his praises were high for the doctor and the builder. But the third son knew the fierce anger of his father.
A sad story – a story of pain and suffering. On one side, this story shows people who did what they could to help, and on the other someone who selfishly did not bother. How is it possible not to mind when others are suffering? In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us a story similar to this one. It is the story of a man who called three of his servants. “To one, he gave fie talents, to another two, to the third one, each in proportion to his ability.”
The master left and the first servant managed to get five more talents and the second one two more. The third servant simply hid his one talent in the ground. On his return, the master asked for a report from the servants. The first and the second got loud praises: “Well done, good and faithful servant...” But the foolish answer of the third stands out: “Sir, I had heard you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered. So, I was afraid, and I went off and hid your talent in the ground.”
“A wicked and lazy servant”, in Jesus’ words. A lazy and careless man who, given something in trust did nothing to make it bear fruit. Jesus’ message is clear: to all of us, gifts have been given. We must use them, not bury them. Each one of us has received gifts and talents from our Father in heaven. We have been blessed with abilities and skills. If, today, you tried to make the list of your gifts, would the list be very short because you have not discovered all of them? And of these, how many do you use from day to day?
We may ask ourselves why many of our talents lie unused. We may find out that fear, laziness and selfishness may lead us not to bother about the talents given to us. Fear of not succeeding, of being laughed at. Laziness, not making the efforts needed. Selfishness, for when our talents are known, we may be asked to use them for the benefit of others.
There is one point we should not miss in the story of Jesus. Each servant received “in proportion to his ability.” The master was happy with the second servant who brought back two additional talents. He was not asked to bring five additional talents. The trouble with the third servant is that... he did nothing! He did not even try. It is easy to complain about how things are in society and in the Church – and many do that. Yes, many people are quick to notice the weaknesses and the faults, but not so many are ready to do something to make things better. Where do WE stand?...
A king had three sons. The first an excellent doctor, the second a good builder and the third a farmer. The king left on a journey and during his absence an epidemic spread throughout the country. Thanks to his skill, the doctor saved many lives. When great storms destroyed many of the houses, the builder helped people with low-cost housing. But when a famine raged in the area, the third son did nothing to alleviate the suffering of people while the stores were filled with the grain that had been harvested. When the father returned his praises were high for the doctor and the builder. But the third son knew the fierce anger of his father.
A sad story – a story of pain and suffering. On one side, this story shows people who did what they could to help, and on the other someone who selfishly did not bother. How is it possible not to mind when others are suffering? In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us a story similar to this one. It is the story of a man who called three of his servants. “To one, he gave fie talents, to another two, to the third one, each in proportion to his ability.”
The master left and the first servant managed to get five more talents and the second one two more. The third servant simply hid his one talent in the ground. On his return, the master asked for a report from the servants. The first and the second got loud praises: “Well done, good and faithful servant...” But the foolish answer of the third stands out: “Sir, I had heard you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered. So, I was afraid, and I went off and hid your talent in the ground.”
“A wicked and lazy servant”, in Jesus’ words. A lazy and careless man who, given something in trust did nothing to make it bear fruit. Jesus’ message is clear: to all of us, gifts have been given. We must use them, not bury them. Each one of us has received gifts and talents from our Father in heaven. We have been blessed with abilities and skills. If, today, you tried to make the list of your gifts, would the list be very short because you have not discovered all of them? And of these, how many do you use from day to day?
We may ask ourselves why many of our talents lie unused. We may find out that fear, laziness and selfishness may lead us not to bother about the talents given to us. Fear of not succeeding, of being laughed at. Laziness, not making the efforts needed. Selfishness, for when our talents are known, we may be asked to use them for the benefit of others.
There is one point we should not miss in the story of Jesus. Each servant received “in proportion to his ability.” The master was happy with the second servant who brought back two additional talents. He was not asked to bring five additional talents. The trouble with the third servant is that... he did nothing! He did not even try. It is easy to complain about how things are in society and in the Church – and many do that. Yes, many people are quick to notice the weaknesses and the faults, but not so many are ready to do something to make things better. Where do WE stand?...