Reflection

Gospel

Jesus told his disciples this parable:

"A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

"After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five 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: 14-15, 19-21

Reflection

Next Sunday is both the last Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the Solemnity of Christ the King. These past Sundays in Ordinary Time have presented the Gospel of Matthew and his way of presenting Jesus as Teacher, the New Law Giver and Jesus as the final revelation of the God of the Covenant. 

In two weeks, we will begin praying with the reflections of Advent, preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Today’s Gospel is quite clear as Matthew draws near to his presentation of Jesus. God is making an investment in each human person with specific and personal gifts. These are not merely talent's of physical abilities, but more interior, soul-bound. and meant to be accepted as precious and not to be compared with anyone else. One person receives five, one three and the third, one. The master made an investment to increase his number of gifts with great interest. Two traded well, did something profitable with what they had received. The fearful person figured out that he/she had been given less and thought better of trading and so buried it in the ground.

Now was the master so self-interested that he became angry when he got back the one talent he had given first. Was the third person wise, because of fear of being punished for losing it? Was the master known to be harsh, selfish and punishing? The parable does not reflect exactly everything. It has one strong message and minor aspects can distract from appreciating what Jesus is offering. Jesus invests Himself in us and we then give Him exterior expression in all we do. We keep His grace which keeps all our goings in grace. He has buried Himself in us that we might continually give grace.

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader