Parable Of The Talents - Matthew 25:14-30

This parable was our gospel reading and the focus of the priest's sermon yesterday at church. 

A basic synopsis of the parable is that a man had 3 servants and before he left somewhere he gave them each possessions. To the first, five talents. The second, two. The last, one. The first two used their talents and doubled what they were given. The last, went away and buried it. When the man came back he called for his slaves and was overjoyed that the first two had increased their amount. He told them both, "well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy." To the last servant who buried his money, the master was upset and threw him out.

The priest informed us that talents in this case were actually the servants wages: 6,000 days worth. The point of this parable is to emphasize God's desire for his people to be productive. The master was upset at the last servant, saying that he should have at least tried to do something with his talent even if he lost it. God wants us to use what we are given and not be paralyzed by fear of losing or failing. He would prefer if we tried and lost all than do nothing. The priest discussed that although this servant had the least, he still had a significant amount. So even if we feel like we're not much, we are still significant and our contribution makes a difference. The priest then brought up the vocation of laymen which is every catholic's vocation to spread the gospel and our faith to others, to live as God would want us, and to uphold his righteousness as best we can. 

Our talents are the abilities God gave us to live in this world. So basically, talents in their current meaning. Some people are great speakers, or listeners, or good with organizing. We each have skills that should be used to spread the gospel in some way. If you're a good performer, join your church's choir. Spread your faith through music to encourage others to open their hearts to God. If you're good with money, help local shelters to keep their books balanced so they can continue to help others. You don't have to go around preaching to spread the gospel. You can show it to people through your actions and faith. When people ask why you do things, explain your faith and introduce them to Christ. God built and created us so that we could follow his plan. Focus on your abilities and see how you can use them positively in this world. Don't just bury your talents.

Sticking To The Gospel -A Note from Galatians Chapter 1

Verse 1-4 says specifically that Christ died on the cross to save us from the current wickedness of the world in according with God's plan. He died so we could be free from the temptations of the world. He isn't destroying the temptations; he's helping us overcome them through his cross and resurrection by our faith.

Verses 6-10 emphasize the importance of sticking to and preaching the original gospel. Not making changes to gain human favor. This is relevant because we ignore the strict conservative parts of the bible to be included in society. We submerge ourselves into the wrong and let it influence us to change our view. Much like wind erodes rock, outside influences erode our steadfast faith and understanding of the gospel. It can morph it into a combination of Christian values and current ones. Women not being allowed to speak isn't a Christian value & shouldn't be used as a reason to dismiss the bible. Morality and character traits are the values. Being humble, patient, modest, honest, caring, strong, faithful, kind, and good hearted. Keeping firm in what the bible tells you as well. But above all, be accepting of all people. Not everyone believes our religion and we cannot hate them or tell them they are horrible. Be kind and show them Christianity isn't just about sticking to certain rules.  How you react goes in either two ways, one is with a pure mindset while the other is said from self righteousness.

**Don't avoid non-Christians**

Verses 11-24 reiterate the power and importance of the gospel. They're from the All Mighty and should be revered as such. That is what makes the Gospel and the bible different from any other book or piece of writing. The bible is sacred and its knowledge/power is beyond human understanding. We need it to grow and the effect it has is unbelievable. 

Paul's learning and understanding of the Gospel was through Christ working in him so we should heed his remarks. God knew from when he was still in his mother's womb that Paul would go around the world preaching. His testimony is strong and its impact is still felt centuries later. "The one who once was persecuting us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy. So they glorified God because of me." Paul isn't boasting but is thankful that his past wrongdoings are saving multitudes.