Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 19 November 2023 Mass Reading Reflection for 19 November 2023
Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30
Have you ever wondered why there wasn’t a third type of servant who lost talent in trade?
During the New Testament time, one talent was equal to 58.9 kg (129lb 14 ounces). As per the parable, the master of the house had entrusted with his servants a really large sum. He intended them to invest and make a reasonable profit from the investment.
Investing is a risky business; you may gain a fortune, a moderate profit, or even lose the invested amount. The third servant didn’t want to run the risk of losing the capital. Hence, by digging a hole he conserved the one talent safe. But the master was not amused. One may have the temptation to justify him for not risking a huge sum on some wrong business ideas.
But Jesus was talking more of the heavenly investments that neither can be stolen nor be eaten by moths (Mt 6:19), than of worldly wealth. Jesus is talking of those talents that can never be lost on transaction.
Think of the various fruits of the Holy Spirit you have received through baptism and confirmation. They include Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control, etc. (Gal 5:22). Every Christian has received those fruits in different measures. They are not meant to be stored in cold refrigerators or deep holes underneath; they are meant to be shared, traded, and developed.
By sharing this parable, Jesus is reminding us today to review our heavenly investments. He has blessed us with handsome capital. Our ability to love, to forgive, to be kind, and to be gentle are our capitals. What do we do with them? Are we afraid to use them? One thing about such capital is that you will never lose them by spending them. You are appreciated for spending them, and you will never be appreciated for conserving them unused.
The message is loud and clear, use your talents, especially your spiritual talents. Use your talents to love, to forgive, to be joyful, to be kind, and to be merciful. Share your wisdom and faith unceasingly.
The unique property of spiritual talents is that you will always double them by using them. You never lose the capital. That must be the reason Jesus did not include a character in the parable who lost the capital by trading them.
Amen.
