The Fault of the Third Servant

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 25:14-30*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 1:26-31*

*The Fault of the Third Servant*

*1) Third Servant Received only one talent*

According to the Gospel the third servant received only one talent 

This was according to His capacity. So there is no fault of the Master in giving only one talent 

*2) Third servant didn't waste that talent*

It is also important to note that, what he received from the Master he returned it without wasting it 

He didn't use it for his personal gain or for selfish purpose, but kept it safe and returned to the Master

He he was prompt in returning the talent. 

So what was the fault of the third servant? 

*3) The fault of the Third servant*

The Gospel says these things about the third servant. 

A) He was a lazy servant.  He was not ready to work 

B) He didn't take any risk in doing some work. He was a timid person 

C) He buried the talent. Which shows a kind of insult to the master and a kind of arrogance of the servant 

D) He didn't even put the Money into the bank. By investing in the bank at least the owner would have got the interest 

E) The third servant had very negative approach towards the Master. He thought that the Master was very rude and very strick person. He was prejudistic about the Master 

F) He was fearful about the Master. This unreasonable fear made him inactive

G) He lacked motivation to take any initiatives in doing something

*4) Master was not concerned about profit*

When the Master gave the talents he was not only concerned about the Profit

As a experienced master he knew the realities of profit and loss 

Moreover when the third servant had only one talent the risk factor was very high and also the possibility of the Loss

But the master was not very concerned about the profit or loss 

*5) Talent was not given to bury*

This was the greatest mistake of the third servant 

By burying, the third servant prevented all the possibilities of using the talent in an creative way

Something buried can't grow. Only something planted can grow 

Buried talent is equal to dead talent 

*6) Trade first, profit and loss secondary*

When the master gave the talents he only told them to trade. 

Profit or loss is the secondary thing. 

The purpose of the talent is to trade. Profit or Loss is the part of it. 

*7) Use of the Talent is very important*

The master highlights the use of the talents and not the burial of the talent 

Use is first. Profit or loss is secondary. 

By not using the talent the third servant made grave mistakes 

*8) My life and the Third servant*

Like that of third servant we can't bury our valuable talents 

If we make profit is well and good. If we incur loss not a issue 

We need to take risk. Result may be secondary

Like that of third servant one can't bury their talents and skills. They are not given to us to bury. But to utilize them and to spread the values of Christ 

Where do I belong? 

First servant?

Second servant?

Third servant?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*