Are we multiplying our talents or are we burying it?
This week, in the parable of talents, we see two faithful servants multiplying the talents given by their master but the third one buries it. The master rewards the faithful ones with more talents and takes the one talent away from the unfaithful one who fails to use it to increase the worth.
The parable tells us that God given talents are not meant to be hidden but rather used for the good of all. Talents here mean more than just abilities and money that God gives us. St. Gregory the Great explains that the talents here represent the spiritual gifts God entrusts us with for the use and benefit to bring all mankind to Him. He says that spiritual gifts multiply when we use them. St Gregory explains – that charity is when we love both friend and foe-“He who does not have this charity loses all the good he has; he is deprived of the talent he has received, and according to the Lord’s judgment, he is sent into outer darkness” (https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-benedict-do-not-waste-your-god-given-talents-and-mission).
The talent in ancient times represented something weighty and alluded to the ‘kabod of Yahweh’ that rests on the mercy seat in the Temple in Jerusalem. Hence, the parable of the talents has a deeper meaning- mercy of God. Mercy of God will only expand in us when we show mercy to others (https://faithmag.com/parable-talents).
The story of Victor Hugo- Les Miserable reminds us that mercy has a redeeming effect on the souls while being judgmental, critical and fault finding can turn good into ashes. In this story, the setting is in the 19th century France and Jean ValJean- a convicted felon for stealing bread for his sister’s children was not able to find a job after being released. Only the Bishop opens his door to this man and provides shelter for the night against the advice of the housekeeper and the professor. The next morning, Jean steals the silver candlesticks and leaves. He is caught by the police and brought to the Bishop. The Bishop’s merciful act of not condemning but rather releasing Jean of his desperate act, provides a new start for Jean. He then gives all his silver to Jean and asks him to start a honest life with the money. The professor on the other hand who had hidden his money $5000 francs in a stack of newspapers for fear of being stolen by Jean finds it in ashes after the housekeeper burns all the old newspapers.
So as the season of Advent draws near, the reading moves us to reflect on the last days and judgment. We are summoned to live our faith in love, truth, compassion, mercy and all that our merciful Father is. We are called to account for all the blessings and gifts we have received. We are urged to introspect if we have shared our talents with those desperately in need of that mercy, love, compassion and generosity.
St Augustine tells us that we use what is needed for ourselves and the excess we give to others. – SR
“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
St Augustine