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Gospel Reading for August 31, 2024 – Matthew 25: 14-30
NOT FOR OURSELVES
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey 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.'”
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Although talents in this reading referred to money, the message of Jesus pertains to all kinds of gifts/talents we receive from God. They are given NOT FOR OURSELVES but so that we may do our part in making life better and beautiful on this planet earth. Gifts are meant to be used. If we just keep them and let them be idle, it will defeat the purpose for which the gifts were given. It would be better if they were taken away and given to someone else who will make good use of them.
When one is discerning his/her vocation in life, it is important to be aware of, and consider, the gifts/talents we have received from God and seek the state of life where these gifts will be put to very good use. Our life will be truly fruitful, meaningful and happy, if we know how to use the gifts/talents we have received from Him who knows what’s best for us.
Lord, make us aware that sharing the gifts/talents
