Newton Basumatari csc –
Readings: 1 Cor 1: 26 -31; Mt 25: 14 – 30
We experience God’s love in different forms of gifts, talents, and resources. When we are faithful in utilizing them, God blesses our efforts, multiplying the gifts he has entrusted to us.
Pope Francis, in one of his sermons, said, “There is no faithfulness without risk.” We must take risks and use our God-given talents for the sake of his kingdom. We should not bury them but use them to advance the Kingdom of God. The greatest gift that God has given to humanity is his only Son, Jesus Christ, who revealed to us God’s love through his words and deeds. That is why we need to boast in the Lord, because he has sanctified and redeemed us through Jesus.
The parable of the talents reminds us of our responsibility to use God’s gifts wisely. We are responsible for the gifts and opportunities God gives us and should use them to advance his kingdom and help others. Very often, we compare our God-given talents with others and feel inferior. We suppress our talents, just like the one who received one talent in the parable. We need to use our talents to help others and to glorify God – talents like resources, skills, time, smiles, humble gestures, and kind words.
As we reflect on this parable, let us examine our own lives. What talents has God entrusted to us? Are we using them faithfully, or are we burying them out of fear? Let us ask the Lord to help us become like the good and faithful servants.