11/19/2023 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

THE HEART OF A HAPTPY SERVANT

Next Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King and the final Sunday of Ordinary Time. This past cycle of Ordinary Time Sundays (Year A) has focused on Matthew's Gospel and how he portrays Jesus as Teacher, the New Lawgiver, and the final revelation of the God of the Covenant.

Today in the parable of the talents, we have a tale of three servants who are entrusted with funds in varying quantities in proportion to their abilities—five, two, and one. A further five were earned after the first servant invested everything he had. The one who had two talents has doubled his talents. The third servant dug a hole and buried his talent after being given just one. Those who had doubled their wealth were praised by their master, who said, "Come, share your master's joy."

A different account of stewardship was given by the servant who buried the talent: "I know you are a hard man, so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground." Please accept this refund. He's been labeled a lazy, worthless slob because of this. You could have invested it and earned interest. The master says, "Those who have, will get more until they grow rich, while those who have not, will lose even the little they have," after he distributes the money to the others and before sending the straggler out into the night to gnash his teeth.

In Jesus' day, a "talent" from the Greek word tálanton, was a large monetary measurement equal to 6,000 drachmas or denarii, the Greek and Roman silver coins. A single talent may be worth more than a lifetime of work for a common worker. In addition to financial resources, the master also left his entire material estate to his servants. The owner had already taken a big chance and hoped his servants would do the same rather than let their money rot. That's the story!

The parable can refer to God and his relationship with us, his creatures. God entrusts us with even more responsibility. Life, skills, the ability to love, the surrounding community of living, breathing humans, and, on rare occasions, genuine, selfless displays of affection. God gives us the world and everything in it, including the good and the bad, without asking for anything in return. The talent symbolizes, at its most elemental level, both the abundance of life and the supreme gift of faith. If we are among the fortunate ones who grow up to take charge of their own lives and are given the chance to put their faith and spiritual gifts to good use, then we have an obligation not to hoard our abilities out of fear or laziness but to put them to good use.

I am aware of one thing that disappears if buried but grows more potent when put to good use and it is Love. If you close the door on love out of fear, the person you don't love will be waiting for you on the other side, crying and gnashing their teeth in the dark. Without affection everyone here is terrified. And God has mercy on us forever. God patiently waits for eons to find out if we'll take even a tiny bit of the abundant love he offers and accept it, and if we can muster the nerve to put some of it into the hands of others. I'm sure that when we mess up, God says, "Oh no, not again." But this is the heartbreak of a person who cares deeply about us. What does this mean for us? Give in to love. See the amazing results!

“Men and women bear a unique responsibility under God to safeguard the created world and by their creative labor even to enhance it. Safeguarding creation requires us to live responsibly within it, rather than manage creation as though we are outside it. The human family is charged with preserving the beauty, diversity and integrity of nature as well as fostering its productivity.” U.S. Bishops, Renewing the Earth, 1991 

The trustworthiness of the profitable servants ensures their share in the “joy of the Lord.” The ones who gracefully accept the choice of the master will put their faith, hope, and charity to work for the good of others with the abundance of life and talent given to them. This standard applies to us whether we have a million dollars or just a dollar. Fr Tom Kunnel, C.O