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). He has received the word of God but has neglected the gift. This is a crisis parable. Jesus attempts to awaken us to the importance of each moment and the suddenness 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 received according to his ability. The first man 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 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 have received my money back with interest. Take away this talent away from him and give it to the others.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The center of the parable is the day of accounting (The Final Judgment).
- Each is asked to produce “according to their ability.” (God does not expect extraordinary accomplishments.)
- The two servants who worked hard enter into the Master’s joy.
- The third servant is “worthless and lazy” and does not share his master’s joy.
- The contrast is stark. Two have overwhelming blessings. The third is cast out into the darkness.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Lord, I must use every day for your Kingdom.
- O Lord, you give me talents. I will use them for you.
- You give me time and ask me not to be lazy.
- You want to reward me with your joy and glory.
- O Jesus, I will work for your Kingdom and welcome your return.
- O Lord, return soon. I await you.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will ask, “What talents has the Lord given me?”
+ I will use today for the Lord.
Thought for the day: (To recall your meditation.)
Enter into the joy of your Lord.