By Rev. Canon David B. Tabo-oy
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. v15To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away…
… v29For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. v30And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Read: Matthew 25:14-29)
Dr Talmage wrote, “You are to understand that there are different qualifications for different individuals. There is a great deal of ruinous comparison when a man says: “Oh, if I only had that man’s faith, or that man’s money, or that man’s eloquence, how I would serve God.” Better take the faculty that God has given you and employ it in the right way. The rabbis used to say, that before the stone and timber were brought to Jerusalem for the Temple every stone and piece of timber was marked; so that before they started for Jerusalem, the architects knew in what place that particular piece of timber or stone should fit. And so I have to tell you we are all marked for some one place in the Great Temple of the Lord, and do not let us complain, saying: “I would like to be the foundation stone, or the cap stone.” Let us go into the very place where God intends us to be, and be satisfied with the position.”
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One of Jesus’ most significant parables regarding work is set in the context of investments is the Parable of Talents in our Gospel lesson appointed this Sunday. The parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven. A rich man delegates the management of his wealth to his servants, much as investors in today’s markets do. He gives five talents to the first servant, two talents to the second, and one talent to the third. Two of the servants earn 100 percent returns by trading with the funds, but the third servant hides the money in the ground and earns nothing. The rich man returns, rewards the two who made money, but severely punishes the servant who did nothing. It is interesting to note that in the 25th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel there are three parables told in a row: The Parable of the Bridesmaid, The Parable of the Sheep and Goats, and the Parable of the Talents. Essentially the same phrase is used in each: after a long time. The bridegroom comes after a long time. The landowner returns after a long time. The judgment comes after a long time. Perhaps this is Matthews’s way of saying to us: Our master may be delayed in his return, but, in the meanwhile, what are you doing with the talent that has been entrusted to you. Let us be clear on one issue. God expects a return. We had better not simply bury that which has been given us and return it when he comes.
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The meaning of the parable extends far beyond financial investments. God has given each person a wide variety of gifts, and he expects us to employ those gifts in his service. It is not acceptable merely to put those gifts on a closet shelf and ignore them. Like the three servants, we do not have gifts of the same degree. The return God expects of us is commensurate with the gifts we have been given. The servant who received one talent was not condemned for failing to reach the five-talent goal; he was condemned because he did nothing with what he was given. The gifts we receive from God include skills, abilities, family connections, social positions, education, experiences, and more. The point of the parable is that we are to use whatever we have been given for God’s purposes. The severe consequences to the unproductive servant, far beyond anything triggered by mere business mediocrity, tell us that we are to invest our lives, not waste them.
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The gospel is straightforward in reminding us of the blunt truth that the gifts of God are not ours to dispense with as we please. Neither does it suffice to hide them away, leave them unused or allow them to wither. As Christians we are in the business of spreading the kingdom of God. Christ came to serve and service of others helps us to grow in his image and likeness. Whatever our gifts happen to be, and we all have a variety, we are expected to make full use of them for God’s glory. This is a call to be energetic in living the gospel. The parable tells us to make a great deal more of life, to tackle it positively and with enthusiasm, by reaching out beyond our own selfish world and taking the risk of sharing something of ourselves with others. It is worth remembering that the times when we experience true happiness and real satisfaction are normally those which find us completely absorbed in caring for the needy or supporting a worthwhile cause. In a real sense we come closer to God when we help to further the growth of his kingdom on earth by our actions.
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A preacher reminds us relative to Matthew’s story that few among us will be given the opportunity of performing the spectacular, but never forget we will be remembered for our little daily acts of decency and kindness which we regard as nothing special. Ordinary work, when done with enthusiasm and a willing heart, helps the love of God to be made visible in the dark corners of life. Our intention should be to do as well as we can whatever job we are carrying out, avoiding apathy and the ‘couldn’t care less’ approach. In this way we can offer back to the Father the lives given to us, more fulfilled and more enriched. Remember this parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven. Waiting for its arrival requires us to be active. Be aware of the warning in doing otherwise: v29For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. v30And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
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Let us pray.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given un our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 28 Collect, BCP)**
