Third Servant Kept it safe, returned it safe : Still he was accused - Why?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Saturday *

*Gospel :  - Mt 25:14-30*

*First Reading :  -1 Thes 4:9-11*

*Third Servant Kept it safe, returned it safe : Still he was accused - Why?*

*1) Third Servant with One Talent*

In today's parable we have a Master with three servants 

The first servant received five talents, the second one received two talents and the Third one received one talent. 

The Gospel says, each one received according to their ability

*2) The Return of the talents*

All three servants returned the talents which were given by the master. None of them deceived the Master 

The first one received five, but he have back ten 

The second one received two he gave back four 

The third one received one and he returned the same one talent

So all were faithful in returning the talents 

*3) Talents were given for trading*

The Master had two purpose in his mind 

One : to use it for the business and to multiply the talents 

Second : to take initiatives to use the talents, the creative use of the talents 

The first two servants, used the talents according to the mind of the Master 

The third one didn't use the talents according to the wish of the Master 

*4) If one talents loses, the Third servant loses everything*

For the third servant there was a risk of losing the only one talent. Others at least had other talents 

So, is the third servant is justified based on this argument. Can we say that it was better to protect it, than to lose it? 

Finally he returned it to the Master without losing it 

*5) Why the Third servant was accused then?*

First of all, the only one talent was given to him, to use it, and not to bury it 

Secondly, by burying, it has absolute no opportunity to grow or to multiply. 

Thirdly : at least if he had put it in the bank he would have received the interest. That also not done 

So the third servant was accused

*6) If he had lost the talent, what would be the result?*

Losing itself is a great adventure. Only a person who is ready to lose can win. A person who is afraid of losing can gain nothing in life 

Losing is the part of life, but burying is not the part of life.

Winning and losing is the part of the game. Not to participate in game is not the quality of the sportsmen, when there is a fear of losing

*7) Life without risk is useless*

The third servant didn't take risk in life for the fear of losing. Life became useless 

God does not value us on winning or losing. He values how we participate in the game 

Losing is absolutely right. God will not condemn for losing, but he will condemn for not taking risk in life 

Take risk, if you win, you are a winner. If you lose you are a hero for taking risk. That's the Philosophy of God 

Will I be accused for not making use of the God given talents in my life in the service of my neighbour? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*