‘Put this money to work until I get back.’(...) He returned, however, appointed as king. At once he sent for the servants to whom he had
given the money, to find out what profit each had made. The first came in and reported: ‘Sir, your pound has earned ten more.’ The master replied:
‘Well done, my good servant. Since you have proved yourself capable in a small matter, I can trust you to take charge of ten cities.’ The second reported:
‘Sir, your pound earned five more pounds.’ The master replied: ‘Right, take charge of five cities.’ The third came in and said: ‘Sir, here is your money which
I hid for safekeeping. I was afraid of you for you are an exacting person; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’ The master
replied: ‘You worthless servant, I will judge you by your own words.(...) Then the master said to those standing by: ‘Take from him that pound, and give it to the
one with ten pounds.(...) ‘I tell you: everyone who has will be given more; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away(...)

Reflection:

The gospel today speaks of Jesus telling this parable
to warn His listeners. He would depart but would return again
before the kingdom came in full glory. Meantime, they must
conduct themselves accordingly as trustworthy servants in His
absence. The parable actually is rich in historical allusions.
Perhaps, Jesus probably derives the details of the story from the
actual history of Archelaus, the son of Herod. When his
father died, he went to Rome to receive the sovereignty over
part of his father’s kingdom. This is in accordance with
the intentions of his father’s testament. Its confirmation
by the Roman emperor was necessary, because Herod’s
kingdom in reality formed part of the Roman Empire. A
Jewish delegation at that time also went to Rome to dispute
Archelaus‘ claim to kingship. Despite this opposition, the
emperor nonetheless appointed Archelaus as ruler over half of his
father’s kingdom. He in returning to his kingdom punished all that
opposed him and rewarded his supporters. So Jesus takes this
historical fact as a springboard to teach His audience the
importance of faithfulness and trustworthiness as servants. In
this instance, not as servants of a human king but of God.