another two. But the one who received one talent dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. After a long time, the master of those
servants returned and asked for a reckoning. The one who had received five talents came with another five talents (...) The master answered,
‘Well done, good and faithful servant, since you have been faithful in a few things, I will entrust you in charge of many things. Come and share
the joy of your master.’ (...) Finally, the one who had received one talent came and said, (...) I was afraid, so I hid your money in the ground. Here, take what
is yours!’ But his master replied, ‘Wicked and worthless servant, you know that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered. You should
have deposited my money in the bank, and given it back to me with interest on my return. Therefore, take the talent from him, and give it to the one
who has ten. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who are unproductive, even what they
have will be taken from them. (...)
Reflection:
There are two temptations in front of God’s gift to each of
us. One is to over perform using it. The other is the opposite. It is to underutilize
or not to use God’s gift at all. In our gospel, God is seen as an astute steward
of His estate. Whatever He lends, He expects a return no matter how small. It
depends on the receiver’s capacity. Whatever return there is, it is appreciated
and rewarded with much greater gift. Hence, the one who cultivates his or
her God-given talent grows in stature in God’s eyes through time. While the
lazy and afraid will be dealt with. Those who remain mediocre will remain that
way. As matter of fact, they will deteriorate. Whatever little they have will be lost in
time. It will atrophy for lack of use. And so, sometimes, it is better to sin in excess
than to be mediocre. It is easier to prune and lessen than to add.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021