Almighty and ever living God, we gather to praise, worship, and honor you. May our prayers become like pleasant aroma lifted to you and be pleasing in your sight.
Lord Jesus,
you have shown us the way to the Father:
Lord, have mercy.
– Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus,
you have given us the consolation of the truth:
Christ, have mercy.
– Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus,
you are the good shepherd,
leading us into everlasting life:
Lord, have mercy.
– Lord, have mercy.
Parable of the Talents
Homily:
The first two servants did what was pleasing to the Master. On the other hand, the third servant hid his talent in the ground. His talents were taken back and given to the other servant.
As a servant, it was not their choice, but their duty and obligation to fulfill the Master's request.
How is the 'parable of the talents' relevant for us today?
Sometimes the best interpretation is the most simple one. The parable of the talents is relevant for us namely that each member is blessed with spiritual gifts and talents to serve Christ in the local church.
First of all, It's important to spend time and discern what sort of gifts and talents that the Holy Spirit has given. These talents and gifts could also be called Charisms. It would be a large encumbrance if one doesn't know their own gifts and talents. But it takes time to discern and discover that. Usually, there's usually trial and error.
For instance, if you're extroverted and love to meet people, you could be on the hospitality team. If you're a person that loves music and singing, you could join the choir. If you are young and would like to serve at Mass, perhaps that is what the Holy Spirit is calling you to do.
And when one discovers their gifts and talents, it is life giving and joyful to exercise those talents. It doesn't mean that the talents always come. Many talents and gifts are not usually infused. They are cultivated, nurtured and grows over a period of time.
Sometimes we may not be able to observe our own talents and gifts. Who among us have eyes at the back of our head? It would be also be good if we observe someone who has a gift or talent to encourage them to pursue and develop it for the good of Holy Mother Church.
For example, if you notice a young man who has the potential to become a priest, encourage and pray for that person. If you notice that someone has the gift of speaking, encourage them to read at Mass. If you notice someone who loves to cook, invite them to be part of a luncheon committee. As a body of Christ we have a shared responsibility to cultivate and nurture one another's talents.
Sometimes we think of the word 'talent' like a talent show for performance. Although it may share aspects of performance, that is not the ultimate goal. Those talents are not directed towards the goal of self glory. It is to be directed towards the glory and praise of Almighty God. The glory of God means that it serves a higher spiritual purpose. The services rendered are meant to help the church and help others.
When blessed with certain spiritual gifts, especially the gift of faith, it's important to give it much attention and care. So that the gift and talent is sustained, nurtured and grow. So that we don't fall into complacency and indifference.
Now, I don't want to cast stones at people but myself, to use as an example. When I first begin the priesthood, I would look forward to the Mass each day. I would also spend countless of hours praying and discerning about what God wants me to hear and say for the spiritual good of parishioners.
However, after many years, and sometimes we have 5-6 Masses on a weekend, I noticed that I tend to rush through the Mass. I may not take adequate time to pray beforehand. Sometimes the garments are not dry cleaned and I could smell an odor. It's pretty bad when it is at that point. The linens are sometimes not carefully and thoroughly washed and iron. Even some parishioners respectfully point out to me: Father, we know when you are prepared and not prepared for Mass.
This kind of carelessness and indifference can also happen in our personal life. If I'm a person of Christ but if I come to work late and leave early, and spend most of my time at work checking my emails, and updating Facebook status, not giving my best, it's as if I'm burying my talent in the ground. If this persist, it's likely that the gift and talent will be taken away and given to someone else.
There's a difference when a person exercise their gifts half haphazardly versus someone that gives their 110%. For example, how many of us would like to watch an athletic team that is indifferent about winning the championship. And how many of us would like to watch a team that gives their 110% to achieve victory.
Today, I need to ask myself: of the three servants, which one am I? Am I the one who is giving my best to serve Christ and His Church? Am I the second servant who is doing well, but needs further growth? Am I the last servant who is careless and indifferent with the gifts that God is given me. Ultimately our longing is to hear the words of the master: Well done my good and faithful servant. Glory be...
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