How are you using your talents?

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33
Gospel: Matthew 24:14-30


In the gospel today we are told a parable. This parable is about a master who gave three of his servants each a certain number of "talents" each according to their ability. Back then a talent was a large sum of money, but when reflecting on this gospel I think it is okay to think of talents in our own terms as our abilities. After receiving the talents two of the servants go out and invest and gain even more money from this. These two servants were greatly rewarded. The master says to them, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you many responsibilities. Come and share in your master's joy." The third servant went out and buried his one talent, and when the master found out about this, he was very angry with the servant for wasting his talent. This slave was severely punished and thrown out.

For today, let us all reflect on how we are using our skills and abilities to give glory to God and to build up the body. God grants us each very special talents, we should not let them go to waste. If we have any ability, then we have a responsibility to use it. Then in the end, we can hear the words that we so long to hear after our lives here on earth; "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Give us the courage to go out and serve you and use the talents that you have given us. Let us glorify you in all that we do. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.