November 16, 2014
33rd Sunday Ordinary Time
Several years ago I had a bet on a Bills-Jets game. The Bills won. It was a friendly transaction. I was given a one dollar coin as payment -- minted in 1892. The value of the coin today is over $10. In our Gospel according to St. Matthew, Jesus tells a parable where “talents†are entrusted to servants. Originally, a talent was a weight. (We have a sense of this meaning in Jesus’ parable retold by St. Luke. This evangelist uses the word “pound.â€) The servants respectively are given five, two and one talent(s) of gold or silver. We understand “talent†as personal ability or proficiency. Context is important. Jesus is announcing the Kingdom of Heaven. Listeners are challenged to anticipate and inaugurate the Kingdom using their God given potential and ability. Like the first 2 servants who return doubling their talent, we are challenged to take a risk. Matthew places this parable within a section of his Gospel where Jesus is speaking of the end time i.e. the coming of the Son of Man, a time of judgment. The servant who buries his talent is not willing to take a risk. We will be judged on how we receive the Word of God and on how we care for Jesus himself disguised and hidden in the poor. An example of someone using all her potential is found in our first reading, the Book of Proverbs. The author praises a woman who respects her husband, loves her children, takes care of the household, does crafts at home and business in the market, and cares for the poor. She uses all her ability in fidelity to God and for the good of her family and community. St. Paul writes to the Church at Thessalonica reminding the community that the Lord will come like a thief in the night. We are children of the light, taking a risk, giving all for the Kingdom, awaiting the return of Jesus Christ in glory.
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