"Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents.? See, I have made two more.' His 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.'" Matthew 25:22-23
When I was growing up, I would occasionally come into some money. Maybe it was a gift for my birthday or Christmas, or perhaps I had earned it by delivering newspapers or doing some chores or odd jobs. I was often reminded by my parents to save some by putting it in the bank to earn a little interest. While they wanted me to enjoy it, they didn't want me to waste it on frivolous things. They taught me the importance of preparing for the future and the value of money. As I grew, I learned that these lessons were also applicable to my faith.
We are nearing the end of another liturgical year. Next Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King, and then we begin a new church year with the celebration of Advent. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples yet another parable. There was a man who was going on a journey and gave his possessions to his three servants to oversee. He gave one servant five talents, or coins, another servant two talents, and the third servant, one talent. The two with the larger amounts quickly traded with others and doubled their money. But the servant who only had one talent decided to bury his so that he wouldn't lose it. When the master returned, he questioned each servant. The first two servants reported that they made more money for the master, and the master rewarded them for their efforts. But the servant who only had one talent and did nothing to make it grow, had it taken away, and was summarily dismissed.
It is interesting that the money is called talents. We use the word talent today to describe we can do very well – better than others. Some people have more than others, but everyone has at least one talent. We acknowledge that our talents come from God. That's why when someone has an exceptional talent like a sharp mind, artistic skills, or athletic ability, we call that a "God-given talent." God calls us to use these talents to reach our full potential and for the good of society and others.
As Christians we're also called to use our talents to serve others and give glory to God. Do you do this, or do you use them merely for self-interest? Do you use your spare time to better the Kingdom by studying God's Word and to help others°or do you waste time playing games on the computer? Do you use your efforts to care for the less fortunate, or do you spend night after night in front of the television? There's nothing wrong with relaxation and enjoying some down time at the end of a busy day. But, remember that in the parable, the one who did nothing with the talent he was given was turned away turned away by the master.
Are you using your talents to their fullest potential? If not, make a fresh start and a new beginning. Each day strive to do your best to use your God-given talents in all that you do at work, home, school, church and in the community for the good of others and to give glory to God.
Bishop Gregory Parkes
Did you know...
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes is the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg. Prior to his appointment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes served as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee from 2012-2016. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando on June 26, 1999. Before answering the call to the priesthood, Bishop Parkes worked for several years in Tampa's banking industry.
