33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 19, 2023
Readings: Proverbs 31:10–13, 19–20, 30–31; Psalm 128:1–5; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6; Matthew 25:14–30
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/aXrU3oNAX9Y
Often it is said that it would be better to do something remarkable and fall short than to attempt to do nothing and achieve nothing at all. As we give attention not only to our general wellbeing but also to our spiritual wellness, it is often failing than succeeding. It so happens God is remembered when there is a need and distress. Forgetfulness of God's mercy and compassion often distracts us from focusing our attention on God. Most probably we try to give emphasis to meditation, prayer, and liturgical services in our everyday lives, but these might not become truly real as other concerns of this world takeover. God becomes absent in our lives. The liturgical readings for the 33rd Sunday of the Ordinary Year serve as a poignant reminder not to lose sight of God. Every talent, gift, and capacity bestowed upon us by God should be wielded with the purpose of making His presence known and realized in our lives.
1. Stewardship of gifts of God and our accountability to Him
The Gospel of Matthew 25:14–30 presents the parable of the talents. The parable emphasizes the responsibility we have as stewards of the gifts and talents bestowed upon us by God. It prompts us to reflect on the ways we use our unique abilities for the betterment of God's Kingdom. It underscores the importance of recognizing, developing, and investing in the talents entrusted to us rather than burying them in fear or complacency.
Often our attention turns towards that useless servant who received only one talent and buried his talent in the ground, in order that he might hand it back to his master exactly as it was. This idea is compared to the Scribes and Pharisees who kept the Law exactly as it was. In their own phrase, they sought "to build a fence around the Law." Any change, any development, any alteration, anything new was to them anathema or condemnable. In the words of the biblical scholar William Barclay, their method involved the paralysis of religious truth.
2. Risk Management and expansion of one's capacities
Like the man with the single talent, the religious leaders of Jesus' time were exactly like him. That is why they are condemned. For Jesus, there can be no religion without adventure, and God can find no use for the shut mind. Every individual on this earth is blessed with differing gifts. It does not matter how many talents a person has, but what matters is how he uses them. God never demands from a man abilities which he has not got, but he does demand that a man should use to the full the abilities which he does possess. Men are not equal in talent, but men can be equal in effort. The parable tells us that whatever talent we have, little or great, we must lay it at the service of God.
Jesus tells in the parable that one should never stop doing more. The two servants who had done well are not told to lean back and rest on their success because they have done well. They are given greater tasks and greater responsibilities in the work of the master. The one who has got more, he or she has to do more. The action of that servant who got single talent is condemnable. It would have been better for him to do some adventure with it and lost it; it would have been better than to do nothing at all. It is always a temptation for the one talent man to say, "I have so small a talent and I can do so little with it. It is not worthwhile to try, for all the contribution I can make." The condemnation is for the man who, having even one talent, will not try to use it, and will not risk it for the common good.
3. Living in the Light is a true entrepreneurial spirit
Risk-taking and faith are very important elements in spiritual matters. As believers, our task is to step in faith even in public sphere trusting God will multiply our efforts when aligned with His Holy will. The parable can be interpreted in a business context, encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit that aligns with ethical and moral values. It prompts reflection on how businesses and individuals can use their resources and talents for the greater good, fostering a mindset that seeks to create a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of others. That is why St Paul in his letter 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6 emphasizes living in the light, being the children of light rather than of darkness. It is to be continually aware of God's presence and His mentoring in the hustle and bustle of life.
Therefore, one has to be vigilant. The nature of the Day of the Lord is unexpected like a thief in the night. This must encourage in us to live in a state of readiness, cultivating a spiritual alertness and anticipation for Christ's return. It serves as a reminder that, while the exact timing may be unknown, believers are called to be prepared at all times. As children of light, we are called to exhibit qualities such as faith, love, and hope as well as engage with social and ethical issues in our communities. Thus justice and compassion flourish in our lives. This spiritual identity is a call to intentional living, rejecting the deeds of darkness and embracing the virtues that characterize the Kingdom of God. The readings challenge us to continuously examine the use of our talents in the broader narrative of God's unfolding Kingdom.
Questions for self-reflection:
- Reflecting on the parable of the talents, am I using my abilities to the best of my capacity, or am I holding back due to fear or complacency?
- Are there areas in my life where I am burying my talents instead of putting them to fruitful use for God's kingdom?
- How can I foster a mindset that views challenges and opportunities as a means for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God?
2 comments:
Thanks for your inspiring reflections. It's a great piece of writing. Everything in the reflection is so motivating and insightful.
Thanks a lot for your sharing. Very insightful and enriching!
Post a Comment