First Reading - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Gospel - Matthew 25:14-30
The first reading appears as a reminder to us that our treasure, wisdom and pride is Jesus. This passage, historically speaking, throws sarcasm on the Christians who took pride of knowing the Greek philosophy, then considered a great treasure of wisdom, and possession of huge wealth. Paul subtly reprimands and corrects them that as Christians they should be proud of being the members of Christ and take honour of possessing this treasure and wisdom of God. In short, what Paul reminds Christians in Corinth is that they should be aware of the real treasure of God than be lost in their false pride. In fact, this reminds us as well to be aware of the possession this wealth of faith in Christ and grow in it rather than remain stagnant. Our faith in Christ is an investment of God on us, if we grow in it, we will win God's favour or else we will be answerable to God.
The gospel of the day has a beautiful parable of 'Talents'. A talent, in the Roman period, consisted of 600 days wages. It means, in the parable, the man who goes abroad invests a huge sum on his servants. To one he gives five talents which is equal to 3000 days wages and to the others two and one respectively. The sum mentioned is whopping. However, this also reflects the huge investment God has made on us or rather reminds us about God's great expectations from us. The result of the investment is ambivalent. The first two make the best use of the amount and make double of them, consequently they win the favour of the master. Conversely, the last one makes no progress due to his prejudices, miscalculation and laziness, hence he is punished.
Dear friends, God is merciful and gracious and the result is, we are gifted with so many things; with spiritual giftedness, diverse abilities and talents. These gifts are huge investment of God on us. God expects that we should make the best of everything we are given. Everyone is unique and different, and everyone is gifted differently. There is no need to compare our gifts with others and feel envious or jealous. As the readings specifically underlines that we are to give account of our gifts, that we have received and not of others. It's not about comparison but progression.
We have spiritual gifts which are meant to assist others in the spiritual path, so also we have our abilities and talents they are meant for the good of others and oneself. What way do we make use of them? God has taught us, as St. Paul mentions in the first reading, to invest our gifts in the loving service of one another. This displays our love for our neighbours. On the other side, St. Paul also suggests that we should be alert of the possession of God's treasure invested on us so that our talents or gifts be not lost like the third servant who buried the talent which he received rather we should re-invest the investment of God faithfully like other two servants, so that we can do good to ourselves and others as well. Hence, God may say to us at the end, "You have been faithful in small things: come and join in your master's happiness."
The parable also reminds us to be faithful to our responsibility that is entrusted to us. It doesn't manner how big or how small that job or work may be but our faithfulness to our work. Let's learn to be faithful to our works or responsibility. If any responsibility is entrusted to us that means we are trusted, hence, when we prove ourselves faithful, we can be entrusted with greater things as well subsequently, as happens in the parable. Let's remember the words of St. Teresa of Kolkata: "We are not called to be successful but faithful." Let our faithfulness to our works be reflected in everything we do.
May God help us use our gifts faithfully and fruitfully.
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