OUR DAILY VITAMIN FOR THE SOUL... Saturday, August 30. A Gospel lived each day keeps the devil away. The Parable of the Talents Mt 25:14-30 [Jesus told his disciples this parable,] 14“It will be as when a man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one—to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately 16the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. 17Likewise, the one who received two made another two. 18But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. … 20The 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.’ 21His 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.’… 24Then 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; 25so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ 26His 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? 27Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? 28Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. 29For 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. 30And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ ” Reflection & Challenge: To each according to his ability. The parable speaks of the way God deals with us. First, the Lord blesses us with talents, and that is indeed good. He gives us free will as well and leaves us to decide what to do with these talents. Second, with freedom comes not only responsibility but also accountability. Like the master in the parable who expects his servant to use his money productively, God takes delight in seeing us develop our talents and use them to benefit ourselves and others. Most of all, God rewards faithfulness. The more we develop our God-given talents, the more we will receive. Indifference to one’s talents and the refusal to use them speak of ingratitude toward our generous God. “The One who fashioned together their hearts is the One who knows all their works” (Ps 33:15). We pray: Lord Jesus, be the ruler of my heart and thoughts, be the king of my home and relationships, and be the master of my work and service. Help me to make good use of the gifts, talents, time, and resources you give me for your glory and your kingdom. AMEN. (365 days journey with the Lord)
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 01:51:15 +0000
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