Revelation 4:1-11,
Ps 150:1b-2.3-4.5a,
Luke 19:11-28 Full Readings
Dedication of Basilicas of Saints Peter and PaulUsing Our gifts for the Kingdom
Brethren, in these last weeks of the church's liturgical year, we continue to reflect on the end of time and what's going to take place as we read from the book of Revelation and the gospels which urge us to prepare well for that day. Today's Gospel encourages us to use our talents for the sake of the kingdom.
This parable is obviously developed out of the same material as Matthew’s parable of the talents. The chief differences are that Luke uses a much smaller sum of money, minas instead of talents, a more realistic figure, for Matthew’s talents are an enormous figure. Luke also introduces the complication of the nobleman who unsuccessfully sues for kingship. This is obviously Archelaus, eldest son of King Herod, and ruler of Judaea. He was denied the title of ‘king’ by Rome and eventually deposed for incompetence, he came and murdered around 3000 Jews. But the intrusion is puzzling because it does not seem to contribute anything to the lesson of the parable.
The sense of the parable for Luke must be read off from the introductory sentence, that they were not to think that the Kingdom would come immediately. It is therefore still a part of the instructions for apostles in their work of spreading the Good News of the coming of the Kingdom: they must persevere because they will be judged and rewarded on the basis of their zeal and their efforts. The fact that the wicked servant’s money is given to the most successful therefore seems to be a promise of special reward for special zeal in the apostolate.
This encouragement to the Apostles to be ready for the last day is also our encouragement today. This encouragement is not to instill fear in us for the final day, but to clothe ourselves with Charity, with the fear of the Lord by following what he tells us and using our talents well.
The Gospel today shows us an aspect of the negative meaning of fear. Among the servants who were given the pounds, which can mean out individual talents, one who was given five pounds did business and got more five and the one with two, got two more but the one who got one, because of fear, hid it and did trade with it to get profit. He knew that his master was a demanding person, harvesting where he did not plant and gathering where he did not scatter; and so out of fear he went off and buried the master’s pound in the ground.
Brethren, this is the negative fear, of which we as Christians should not have in our relationship with God. The fear of God will make us use the talents to serve him and serve our neighbours; that is what he requires of us and at last he will give us our reward of eternal life in the same way the master did to the faithful servants. We have been given many talents from God, let use them for our good and good of others.
Brethren, at last when Jesus comes, there must be something you and I can show to the Lord with pride and gratitude: ‘Look, this is the talent you gave me; I used it well, developed it, served people with it, and here are the fruits of it.’ Reflect today how your fear of God will make you use your talents for the common good, for God does not give us talents and gifts for our individual and selfish desires but to use them to serve him and all humanity.
Let us Pray
Grant me Lord with the fear of you so that you will always be the master of my life and whatever I do. Help me to make good use of the gifts, talents, time and resources you give for your glory, the good of others and for your kingdom. Amen
Be blessed.
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