Reflection on Today’s Gospel – Mt 25:14-30
If, after reading the parable of the talents, someone asks the question: "What does man live for?" He will hear Christ's answer, repeated twice, that man lives to " Come, share your master's joy." So, another question arises: "What exactly should I do to achieve this goal". At first glance, everything seems simple, especially when we assume that the most important means that leads to eternal joy in God is the continual development of the received talents.
I just wonder if this solution is enough for everyone?
So, what is the most important message in the parable of the talents? I think when Jesus spoke this parable, He knew perfectly well that He would make His listeners sympathize with the "third servant" who had been severely judged and lost entirely the talent he had received. Such a "judgment" may appear unfair. After all, the prodigal son squandered all his father's fortune and was rewarded, and this "third servant" gave back what he had received and was condemned. In the key of such "justice", the Gospel is illogical. Why did the three servants not have equal opportunities from the beginning? One got five talents, the second two, the third one ... So, we have to open the Gospel with the key of love, then we stop " to understand" and start to live the Word. From now on it is not important "what" and "how much" you receive, but from "whom" you receive.
The greatest drama of the "third servant" was not his laziness or awkwardness in doing "business." The parable shows at least two reasons why he wasted the received talent - life. The first reason is a false image of God as a strict judge who punishes every wrongdoing and is greedy for profit, over which he has not labored (cf. Mt 25:24). The second reason is the fear of losing the talent - life (Mt 25:25). Jesus leaves no illusions: “whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it "(cf. Mt 16:25).
The conclusion is obvious. Whoever is afraid and does not want to risk losing her/his life, will forget "what she/he lives for". Instead of "entering in the joy of theLord", she/he stops in sadness and experiences "crying and grinding of teeth" here on earth.
John Paul II made a great reference to the parable of the talents during the meeting with the artists. He said: "The word" talent "has a lively response among artists. But let us not forget that the basic talent we have received from the Creator is our humanity."
What am I doing with myself? - this is the most important question arising from the parable of the talents. Well, the basic way of cultivating and multiplying this talent is by listening to the commandment of love and being faithful to this commandment. As the Church still reminds us: Man is the only creature on this earth that God wanted for Himself. Therefore, man will not realize his life except through a sincere gift of himself.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george