33rd Week in Ordinary Time

PRV 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; 1 THES 5:1-6 ; MT 25:14-30

 

We hear a parable today that we are all familiar with, the story of the talents. In Jesus’ time a talent was a form of money that was worth approximately 75 pounds of silver. As you can see this is a fairly large sum per talent. We of course want to know how this corresponds to today’s world. We can continue to look at it from a monetary value, but I would like to examine it from a different perspective.

 

We are Christians are all called to love like Christ, to emulate him, therefore to show the world the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. We have each been given specific talents from God in order to show this through. Our choir has been given the talent of music, something I need some work on. They utilize their talents in the Mass to bring us closer to God. There are others in the assembly who have also been given this talent.

 

There are many varying and different talents that God has bestowed on individuals and in doing so he expects us to utilize those talents to bring people closer to him. The worthy wife we hear about in Proverbs can certainly be relatable to those of us who are married. Gentleman I am sure you would agree that having the good wives we have has made it easier to lead our lives. They can help us see our talents and exercise them. We need to be willing to do the same for them, help them find their talent and exercise it.

 

Why should we use our talents? God has graced us with these talents and he would like us to utilize them to bring people closer to Him. We need to use them to help those around us see God, even in the worst of times. When we utilize our talents we see others begin to use their talents for the glory of God.

 

God has distributed the talents so that some have more than others. Those who have more talent are called to more profound life led for God. Our bishops and priests are a wonderful example of using their gifts for the Glory of God. They stand in front of us and proclaim the Kingdom of God by the example of their lives. Within their number you can see a wide variety of talents being used. There are those that are wonderful administrators, those that are seemingly more compassionate, those who help guide us along our path to the kingdom.

 

When we take their example and begin to see that living our lives for God, regardless of our talent, we can influence those around us. Depending on our talents that influence can be small or large. When we use our talent for personal gain, and not for God, we find that we influence few if any to find the kingdom.

 

What happens if we wait to use our talent? We will all be called home to God from this earthly life at some point. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that we do not know the time or hour that this time will come. Paul goes on to remind us that we are children of the light, not of the darkness. As children of the light our light is to be a beacon for those around us to follow.

 

Do we see this usage of talent being put forth in the country or the world today? There are some examples, but not many. We see this played out by our Pope on a regular basis, on a world stage. He reminds us as Jesus did that when we help the lowest of society, we are helping build the kingdom. We also see it locally here, at the House of Mercy in Williamsburg. Their ministry continues to grow and expand as they help the least among us. The people who work and volunteer there show a love for their fellow man in everything they do.

 

I personally see it as the Director of Cemeteries for the diocese in how those responsible for the burying of the dead interact with the families that they assist. There is a level of caring, compassion, and love not seen in many places in today’s society. Regardless of the situation they bring forth Christ’s light to those who need it the most.

 

The examples I have given are but a smattering of what can be accomplished when we use our talents for the glory of God and his kingdom. We all at different times in our lives have used what we know and are good at for the betterment of society. For some of us we do this only occasionally, for others they do this all the time. Jesus reminds us however that;

 

“For everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away”

 

We cannot lead our lives hiding what God has graced us with and expect our reward in heaven. We need to use what we have been graced with in order to build up the kingdom. We also heard from Matthew “Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house” When we utilize our gifts to help our fellow man we are lighting the way for them to follow.

 

With the talent that is represented within this parish we can see what can be accomplished when we use our abilities to help those around us. St. Bede does many things to help the greater community by utilizing the talents of the members of the parish. We see this carried out in our support for the House of Mercy, in what the Knights of Columbus accomplish in helping those around us. Many of the people who help in this manner remain hidden from view. They do not do the things they do for their own personal glory, but for the Glory of God.

 

I have had the opportunity to listen to people talk about their loved ones and how they used these gifts while here on earth. Most times these stories are ones of love, compassion and caring, sometimes they have not been so complimentary. How we use our gifts will be remembered, by those we leave behind as well as by our Father. With the strength we receive from the Eucharist we hope to be remembered in a positive way so that when we leave this life we can hear the words “Well done my good and faithful servant.”