The Value of the Talent

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty First Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 25:14-30*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps. 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21*

*The Value of the Talent*

*1) The parable of the talents*

Today we reflect about the parable of the talents 

This very parable focuses on the value and the importance of the talent 

The entire parable revolves arround the concept of talent, its value, its use and returns one can achieve from it 

*2) The Value of the talent*

During the time of Jesus one talent means 34 kgs of Gold 

In other other words, it is the wages that could be paid for 20 years of labour 

The first servant got five talents, it means 170 kgs of Gold 

Second one got two talents, it means 68 kgs of Gold

Third one got one talent, that is 34 kgs of Gold 

*3) The attitude of the Giver*

The one who gives these talents must be very generous person 

Secondly the person had great trust in the servants, to whom he would give 

Thirdly he is interested in the wellbeing of the servants. That's why he gave such great talents 

The givers trust and generosity must be appreciated very much 

*4) Two types of response*

The first two servants upon receiving the costliest talents, devised a beautiful plan to invest the talents and to make profit out of it 

The third one had very negative approach. He buried and with out using it, returned to the giver 

Burying and giving back without using it, is a insult ti the giver and foolishness from the part of tha servant

*5) The value of the God given talents*

The parable invites us to reflect about the value of God given talents 

God does not give very cheap talents. The value of God given talents, can't even imagine and the worldly standards are unable to value its worth 

The gift of life, the capacity of the senses, sight, ears, nose, skin and feelings are great talents of God to us 

Have I ever realised the value of these sacred talents? 

*6) The use of the talents*

The entire parable hinges on the concept of talents and use of the talents

The faithful are the ones who took the risk, worked hard with a sincere heart to make profits 

The unfaithful are the one who buries their talents, don't take any responsibility or risk to invest the talent, and return to the master with out using it 

Here hardly one speaks about the profit and loss 

What is seen here is, how one uses his talents. Profit and loss secondary

*7) How about my talents?*

Judgement is severe to those who bury the God given talents and frightened of the loss or failure 

Use of talent is more important than  profit and loss

What is the style of using my God given talents

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*