The Parable of the Talents is exclusive to Matthew (25:14-30). It reveals that each of us has been entrusted with gifts: our time, abilities, skills, opportunities and resources to be used for the common good. We are called to bear fruits that will last. The branches that do not bear fruits will wither, die and be thrown into the fire. Talents represent the blessings: financial, social, intellectual, athletic with which God has bestowed on us. Everything is borrowed from God and we return them to Him with fruits. Talents are natural abilities that can be improved by diligent practice. The parable is about readiness that consists of faithful stewardship. Wisdom is right understanding and good judgment for the common good. It is readiness and watchful preparedness. We are called to be trustworthy, enterprising, and to collaborate in the work of the Gospel according to our personal opportunity, ability and gifts. In the parable, one was given five talents, the second two talents and the third one talent. The first two doubled their talents by taking risks and trading them. The third one buried the talent in the ground out of fear. Fear tends to be a disabler rather than an enabler. We cannot defeat fear on our own, but belief in Jesus can help us to overcome fear. The greater our faith, the less our fear. Perfect love casts out all fear. The words of Jesus, “do not be afraid” are repeated in the Bible 365 times. He reminds us not to be afraid every day. Fear is the opposite of faith because it paralyzes us. The parable therefore calls us to be faithful in exploiting opportunities to bring people into the kingdom of God. We don’t go to heaven alone but by bringing others closer to God. The Gospel is Good News of a God who risked even His own Son to redeem humanity. He withholds nothing from us not even His only begotten Son. He did not spare Jesus from death to reveal His excessive and extravagant love for us. God expects us to use our opportunities, great or small, to boldly proclaim the Gospel, even in the face of danger. He promised that He will be with us until the end of time. The person who believes that he can accomplish nothing significant demonstrates lack of faith in God as well as low self-esteem. St Paul says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13) Nothing is impossible for God.
TALENT
