Reading: Matthew 25:14-23
Matthew 25:21 – “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done good and faithful servant.”
In this week’s Matthew 25 parable, a master is preparing to go on a long trip. He calls together his three servants to give them some responsibilities while he is away. The master entrusts his money with them, “in proportion to their abilities.” The master saw talents in each servant. One received five bags of silver, another two bags, and another one bag. Giving the three their task – invest the money – the master departs on his trip. He trusted that each servant would use their talents to grow his money.
We are not given talents directly from an in-person master. Instead, we are given talents by the Spirit of Christ. In the same way, though, we are entrusted with talents to build on Jesus’ initial investment that began to establish the kingdom of God here on earth. We are to take the plan he modeled and to use the talents that we have been given to build the kingdom of God. These were the instructions left by the Master.
The servants given five and two bags of silver use their talents, investing and doubling the money. The third servant dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. Which servant is more like you? Do you use the gifts and talents that the Spirit has given you to grow the kingdom of God? Or do you hide your talents, refusing to risk for your faith? Or do you wonder if you have any talents?
When the Master returns, we will be evaluated or judged on how we used the gifts and talents that we have. In our parable, the ones given five and two bags of silver are praised for their labors, hearing from the master, “Well done good and faithful servant.” May it be so one day for you and for me.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gifts and talents that you have given to us. Help us to realize each and grant us the courage to invest in the building of your kingdom. In the times when we are unsure – unsure of how to labor or unsure of our talents – open our eyes to see our gifts and assure us that you are right there, guiding us as we strive to build the kingdom here on earth. And, Lord, bless the fruit of our labors. Amen.
