READ
MT 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–to each according to his ability.
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UNDERSTAND
by Father Greg Friedman, OFM
In my ministry in the inner-city parish where I’m pastor, I’m often overwhelmed by the seemingly unsolvable problems we face. How to tackle poverty, unemployment, crime? How to get practical help to folks? How to bring together those with resources and those with needs? How to deal with daily frustrations?
In this tough ministry, one of my Franciscan colleagues has a very helpful strategy for me and our parish community. He says there’s two ways to do this ministry. One is a way that stresses people’s needs. This “need-based” approach can often lead to frustration as we face those overwhelming problems. A second way is an “asset-based” approach. Everyone has a gift. Every person has a unique dignity given by God. Everyone is an “asset” in our community. The poorest person economically may have a talent or gift not immediately apparent. In this approach we’re all in relationship, and in that relationship, love and service can flow two ways.
Maybe that’s part of what Jesus wants to teach us in today’s parable of the talents. We’ve all been given gifts by God. In the parable, praise goes to those who develop those gifts; hoarding them or burying them—even for security’s sake—is not an option. In our faith communities we’re challenged to find ways to discover the gifts each person has and to discover how to put them at the service of the Kingdom.
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DISCUSS
by Father Dan Kroger, OFM
Why is the worthy wife praised, in this week’s first reading (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31)? Give at least one of the reasons given.
Is beauty fleeting? What does that mean?
In the second reading (1 Thes 5:1-6), Paul says “the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.” What is Paul talking about?
What is the “day of the Lord?”
Jesus tells a long parable in the Gospel about talents (sums of money) entrusted by a man to his servants, each one according to their ability. One received five, the second two and the last one. What did each of the servants do?
What did the master expect from each servant?
Which servant buried his master’s talent and was scolded for doing so? Why?
ACT
by Susan Hines-Brigger
Each of us has unique talents, so why not showcase them? Hold a talent show in which each family member shows off his or her talents. Invite other family members and friends to join in via online video conferencing and have them show off their talents.
Make a list of all your talents. Then, think of ways that you can use those talents to benefit others. For instance, if you are an artist, perhaps you could paint something to give to someone that is unable to get out and around and brighten his or her day. If you’re a musician, since people are staying home because of COVID, take your music outside–if possible–and play a street concert.
