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.