Prayer: O Jesus, make me your faithful servant to whom you can entrust your blessings.
Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.)
Context:
This parable is directed to the scribes. Surprisingly, the emphasis is upon the third servant (a symbol of the scribes). They have received the word of God but had neglected the gift. This is a crisis parable. Jesus attempts to awaken us to the gravity of each moment and the importance of his unexpected return.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
A man going on a journey called in his three servants. To one he gave five talents, to another two and to another, one, each according to his ability. The first one traded and gained five more. The second traded and gained two more. The third hid his one talent in the earth.
After a long time, the master returned and asked for an accounting. Hearing that the first servant had gained five more, he said, “Well done, good and faithful servant. I will place you over many things because you have been faithful with the few. Enter into the Lord’s joy.” The same thing happened with the second servant who had gained two more. He also was placed over many things.
However, the servant with one talent said, “I know you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter. Being afraid, I hid my talent. Now I return it to you.” The man said, “Wicked and lazy servant. You should have put my money in the bank and on my return I would receive my money back with interest. Take away this talent from him and give it to the others.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The parable centers on the day of accounting.
- Each is asked to produce “according to their ability”. God does not expect extraordinary accomplishments.
- The successful work results in the two servants entering into the master’s joy.
- The third servant is “worthless and lazy,” not worthy of his master’s joy.
- The time of accounting is a stark contrast. Two have overwhelming blessings. The third is cast out into the darkness.
- The judgment is final. There is no second chance.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Lord, so much hangs in the balance.
- Jesus, I will use every day for your Kingdom.
- O Lord, you are the fairest and most loving of masters.
- O Jesus, you want me to enter into your joy and glory.
- I will not fear you. You seek only my honest efforts.
- If I work for your kingdom, I will be ready for the accounting.
- Return quickly, Jesus, while I am still a fervent disciple.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
- I will ask, “What talents has the Lord given me?”
- I will use this day for the Lord.
Thought for the Day(To recall your meditation)
Enter into the joy of your Lord.