God honours those who use their talents and gifts

WEEKEND SPIRITUAL DIGEST: 1 Thess. 4:9-11, Mt. 25:14-30. The parable of talents in today's Gospel prepares us to have a deeper reflection on our life, orienting us to resolve to conduct ourselves becomingly of a true believer. The characters of the parable responded differently to the task entrusted to them. Their responses were based on how they understood their master. The idea of God that we have, has an influence in the life we live. The first two servants loved, respected and trusted their master. It was evident from their commitment and hard work they put in with the money of the master.

In the parable of the Talents, the third servant saw his master in a very negative light, as “a hard man, reaping where he had not sown.” This servant was scared of his master, he buried what he had been given. By contrast, the other two servants had a much more generous view of their master. To appreciate and increase in God given gifts, we need to know who our God is. Like a machine with moving parts, God’s gifts must be in active use in order to stay in good condition. Non-use leads to rusted parts and clogged-up valves. Life, whether temporal or spiritual, degenerates if left dormant. God detests indifference in attitude and complacency. God honours those who use their talents and gifts in doing good. The only gift that the Lord wants us to constantly multiply is love. Paul, in today's first reading, urges the same: “God himself taught you how to love one another, I invite you to do so more and more.” We are challenged to earnestly seek to serve God with all our gifts, talents and graces He has given to us.

May the Lord strengthen us with faith and courage to make good use of our God's given gift! Amen!! Good morning and happy weekend!!!

Revd Fr Samuel Frederick.