November 15, 2026
What are you willing to risk for God?
GOSPEL
Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable: "A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money. "After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.' Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.' Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.' His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'“
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REFLECTIONS ON THE GOSPEL
First Impressions by Jude Siciliano
We know poor people and minorities find it hard to get loans; as do nonprofit organizations, daycare centers and those seeking support for affordable housing. There is, it seems a hesitancy to take a risk lending to these groups. They don't fit into the usual financial structures. About 35 years ago a small group of young professionals in the San Francisco area saw the need and had a vision to help those who could not get financial support for their projects for the needy and support economic justice. They had experience in banking and real estate. They put up their own money, got assistance from family and friends as well as Dominican sisters in the Bay Area. They started the first community loan fund in Northern California. They lent money to build over 5000 housing units, 200 facilities for human services and created more than 700 jobs. They also offered their time and energy for local community needs. That was 35 years ago; they have been at it ever since. (Check the Northern California Community Loan Fund out on the web to learn of their commitment and success over these decades.) In today's parable Jesus is talking about finances, investing and taking risks -- big risks. A “talent” was the equivalent of 20 years’ salary for the ordinary worker. The master puts an enormous amount of trust in his servants, and he does not give explicit directions. After entrusting the money, we are told, "Then he went away." The master did not even give them explicit instructions about what they were to do with his money. Instead, he gave them time and the freedom to use their imaginations and ingenuity to invest his money wisely. Two of them do their job very well. They make an enormous profit, 100% return. So, when the master returns, he praises their work. "Well done good and faithful servant. Come share your master's joy.” But one of the servants did not do well at all. He hid the owner’s money. The servant handed back the same amount he was given. This servant did not get it. He missed the point. He sadly misjudged the master and acted out of fear. That's not what the master wanted. Not a timid servant paralyzed by fear, but one who would take a chance -- get involved, invest the master's money wisely. And make a profit. The parable speaks to us today. In many aspects of our lives, we Christians must practice prudence and be thoughtful about the decisions we make. However, there is a "But" in the parable, reminding us of another side of Christian living: not to be afraid to be engaged in the world, practicing our faith, even when it feels risky. It reminds us of people like Mother Cabrini who started 67 institutions -- hospitals, schools, and orphanages in Italy, the United States, Europe, Central America and South America. At the time she was resisted by the Archbishop of New York. It was a time when women were to "know their place." She took risks, tirelessly reaching out to poor immigrants. She is a model for contemporary people concerned about the welfare of minorities and immigrants in our country. When her sisters protested because Cabrini wanted to start still one more hospital for the needy, she said, "Whose work is it, ours or God's?" The parable suggests we have been given treasure and have also been given freedom and trust to do what we see we should do, not letting fear or a sense of inadequacy hold us back. People say: "Keep the faith." How? Treat it like it is fragile? Do we not have enough of it? That we will be blamed for failure? Rather, the parable does not seem to be saying, "Keep the faith," but "Practice the faith.” Engage the world and put your faith into action." It invites risk-taking, addressed to those who have feelings of inadequacy, or fear putting their faith into action. Recall what mother Cabrini said, "Whose work is it, ours or God's? God, like the master, has equipped us and trusted us to discern how we should invest ourselves. The parable is not restrictive, calling us to be cautious. Instead, it invites us to trust and, after our work in the world is done and the master returns, we too will hear, "Well done good and faithful servant." It's hard to skip over the first reading, which could sound like it is saying, "Women know your place and do it well." It is a portrait of a woman whose value goes far beyond her physical beauty or appearance. She is hard-working, trustworthy, generous to the poor, faithful to God. The reading concludes, "The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." It reminds us that, "Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting." It suggests physical beauty, popularity, wealth and social standing do not determine a person's wealth. Unlike the world God looks deeper and sees our generosity, our honesty, our faithfulness, and a willingness to serve others. The woman in Proverbs is not presented merely as someone to admire. She is a model for us and challenges both women and men to ask ourselves, what kind of people are we becoming? We are reminded that God does not measure our worth by our parents, wealth, status, or gender, but calls us to live lives of faithfulness, responsibility, wisdom and love. The woman in Proverbs reflects today's gospel parable showing us that God does not measure our worth by our appearance, wealth, status, or gender. It is not whether we are women or men, rich or poor, successful or struggling. The question is whether we are using our lives to bring goodness into the world. That is the kind of life worthy of praise, not only in the eyes of others, but in the eyes of God.
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Justice Bulletin Board by Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC
“For all of you, children of the light and children of the day.”—Thessalonians 5:5
As we approach Thanksgiving, let us give special thanks to the farm workers who toil to bring the produce to market. I give you two prayers for your reflection. The first is a blessing from the National Farm Worker Ministry: Bless the hands of the people of the earth, the hands that plant the seed, the hands that bind the harvest, the hands that carry the burden of life. Soften the hands of the oppressor and strengthen the hands of the oppressed. Bless the hands of the workers, bless the hands of those in power above them that the measure they deal with will be tempered with justice and compassion. Amen. The second prayer is from Interfaith Worker Justice that is now part of Georgetown University within the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor: O God of seed and harvest, we pause to give thanks for the table set before us and the food that graces it. [The people gathered take turn naming the various foods on the table being blessed, by saying, “thank you for the ____” until all the foods have been named.] In a moment we will eat this food, harvested from many parts of the nation and world. It will be transformed into the flesh and blood of our bodies. Keep us mindful of the many workers who labor in field and factory to bring us this food. From the bounty and nourishment of the meal, we dedicate ourselves to work to abolish poverty, unsafe working conditions, workplace abuse, and unjust wages among those who feed us through their labor. We pray this in the name of the Creator God, who not only fed the Israelites in the desert but transformed simple folk like us into disciples for justice and peace. Amen. Consider adding these prayers of blessing, remembrance, and dedication during your Thanksgiving gathering. For all of us are children of the light and children of the day.
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Faith Book
Mini reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for people on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.
From today’s Gospel reading: Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.”
Reflection: Jesus encourages us to put all our lives on the line in his service – not just specific talents. We are to invest ourselves, serving God by serving others. Each of us baptized into Christ needs to engage in the world, conscious that the One who has “entrusted” us will be with us as we face life’s challenges as full-fledged Christians.
So, we ask ourselves:
How “invested” am I in my Christian life?
What do I do to invest more of myself in responded to God’s call to me?
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Postcards to Death-Row Inmates
“Someone who says, ‘I’m against abortion’ but says, ‘I’m in favor of the death penalty,’ is not really pro-life.”—Pope Leo XIV
Inmates on death row are the most forgotten people in the prison system. Each week I am posting in this space several inmates’ names and locations. I invite you to write a postcard to one or more of them to let them know: we have not forgotten them; are praying for them and their families; or whatever personal encouragement you might like to give them. If the inmate responds, you might consider becoming pen pals.
Please write to:
Mikel M. Brady #1403339 (On death row since 10/28/2019)
Tillman Freeman #0849836 (4/19/2022)
Joshua Burgess #0949797 (6/3/2022)
Central Prison
PO Box 247
Phoenix MD 21131
(While the prison is in Raleigh mail for inmates is processed at this address)
For more information on the Catholic position on the death penalty go to the Catholic Mobilizing Network.
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Commentary on the Gospel by Carla Works, Associate Professor New Testament, Wesley Theological Seminary
The parable of the talents is among the most abused texts in the New Testament. Contrary to what might be modeled by some best-selling televangelists, the parable does not justify a gospel of economic prosperity. Instead, it challenges believers to emulate their Master by using all that God has given them for the sake of the kingdom. The parable is located in Jesus' eschatological discourse (24:1-25:46) where he instructs his disciples to endure through difficult times and to live in anticipation of the Lord's return. Like all the parables in this section, it exemplifies the certainty of the Lord's coming and how the disciples are to live in the meantime. The teaching of the talents recalls the parable of the faithful and wise slave who continues to do the work of the master until the master comes (24:45-51). Although the master is delayed, he arrives to find the wise slave doing the tasks that have been appointed to him in the master's absence. The foolish slave, however, has neglected his work and abused his power. He receives severe punishment. Likewise, in the parable of the talents, the master entrusts his servants with his property, and punishment awaits those who have failed to carry on the master's work (24:49-51). Like the parable of the ten maidens before it, the parable of the talents portrays the kingdom of God (25:14). The kingdom is not simply likened to a man on a journey, but to the story that follows -- a story that illustrates how the disciples are to wait until the Lord comes. In this story a wealthy man prepares for a journey by entrusting his estate to his servants. In the Lukan version of this parable (Luke 19:12-27), ten slaves receive one pound a piece to do the master's business. In the Matthean version, however, there are only three servants, and they receive shares according to their ability (25:15). Although the first receives five times as much as the last, each receives a significant sum of money. A talent is equal to about 6,000 denarii. Since one denarius is a common laborer's daily wage, a talent would be roughly equivalent to 20 years wages for the average worker. Five talents, the largest amount entrusted to any of the servants, is comparable to one hundred years worth of labor, an astronomical amount of money. Like the preceding two parables (24:45-51; 25:1-13), the return of the master is certain, but the timing is unknown. After a long absence, he discovers what each servant has done with his property. The first two slaves do business with the master's talents and double his money. Although the first slave earned more than the second, each has done remarkably well with what he has been given. They have performed according to their potential, and they have been faithful to do what the master has required of them. The master's response to each is the same. He commends the slaves for being good and faithful, entrusts them with more authority, and invites them to enter his "joy." The third servant is not so fortunate. In the response of this slave, however, the audience learns even more about the master. He is a man who reaps where he does not sow and gathers where he has not scattered seed. He aggressively seeks to expand his estate and takes whatever he can wherever he can to make a profit. He even reprimands the servant for failing to invest the money with the bankers so that he might have gained interest -- a practice forbidden in scripture (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-38). The master's willingness to earn money at the expense of others challenges any allegorical interpretation of the parable that would directly correlate him with Jesus, who never acts in a manner to seek personal gain. That a wealthy landowner would behave in this manner, however, makes the story all the more compelling. The third slave admits that he was afraid to lose the master's money. To protect himself, he buried the talent in the ground. Although this may seem odd to audiences today, burying treasure was quite common at this time (13:44). The master is furious. He had entrusted this servant with a portion of his property in order that the slave would use his abilities -- abilities that had helped the master in the past -- in order to turn a profit for his lord. This slave, however, was too afraid to take a risk -- even though risky behavior was part of the master's business. Instead, he attempted to secure his own well-being. In the end his unfaithfulness to carry on the master's work cost him severely (25:30). The master expected the servants to continue his business, to take risks to make a profit, and to emulate his behavior. Two servants were found faithful, and they are rewarded. Their faithfulness had increased the master's wealth and expanded his estate. In its literary setting, Jesus tells this story to his disciples (24:3) to prepare them for the days ahead when their faith will be tested. This parable depicts how the disciples are to demonstrate their faithfulness as they anticipate the return of the Lord. What does faithfulness look like in a time of waiting? In Matthew's Gospel faithfulness is emulating the ministry of Jesus. Jesus has announced the arrival of God's kingdom by feeding the hungry, curing the sick, blessing the meek, and serving the least. All who would follow Jesus are to preach the good news of the kingdom to the whole world (24:14) by going about the work that the master has called them to do (24:24-51). This work includes visiting the sick and imprisoned, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, and feeding the hungry (25:31-46). Those who are found faithful may hear their Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
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From “Sacred Space”. A Service of the Irish Jesuits
Today’s gospel makes it very clear that far more is expected of us. We are expected to make an active and positive contribution to the work of the Kingdom and to the Christian community as the Body of Christ. In practice, that might mean taking an active part in our Church, in our parish, volunteering for social justice initiatives etc . So, it is important for us to spend some time reflecting on what are my unique ‘talents’ or gifts or abilities and then to ask to what end I am using them?
The gospel suggests there is an urgency about this - as we do not know when our ‘employer’ is coming back to check his accounts with us. In this time of prayer do I have a sense of where I am being drawn to use my talents?
This parable is more than an exhortation to use well our qualities. It is about the Kingdom, which is entrusted to us as the Master leaves for a long journey. When he returns, he expects his servants to have put to work the riches he had entrusted to them. The first two risked and doubled what they had been given. They were praised for their commitment to their master, to the Kingdom. The third servant, who was afraid of the master, lost even the one talent he had.
Do I risk the many things and qualities I have been given for the growth of the Kingdom, or I am happy with what I have, making sure I do not lose it, happy enough with a respectable existence? What will the master tell me when he calls me to account?
The key to open a prayer approach with this scripture lies in a deep feel sense of thanksgiving in realising the greatness of the gift, especially the sense of one’s personal gifts, those used for the growth of ourselves and the benefit of others. To bury a treasure is a form of abuse and leads to a form of self hurt because of refusal to develop one’s talents. Our thanksgiving guards us and helps us to develop a lovely relationship with God the donor.
When God’s gifts go unused, God’s goodness comes to be doubted. I ask that I be better able to recognise how I might serve God and others with all the opportunities that I notice.
Fulfilling God’s will takes a different shape for each of us as our blessings and situations vary. I pray that I become neither vain not despairing, but am able to be fully alive to every opportunity that presents itself.
My talents: in thanksgiving I dwell on my gifts, firstly looking at them in wonder – my life, my health, my faith, and especially the persons that fill my life and who have made me who I am. I then reflect on the gratuity of all this, and ask God for the grace to know how to be grateful by respecting the talents of others.
I ask myself whether I am like the first two, who worked hard to make their talents bear fruit; or like the third one who was more concerned not to lose what he had, and ended up losing everything. Probably I am a bit of both, so I ask for the grace of inner freedom to be able to express my gratitude through the way I live.
Focus firstly on all those servants who did a fine job for their master. Their reward? To enter into the joy of their master. You can imagine all sorts of celebrations, gifts, sense of fulfilment and general happiness all around. A “talent” was a huge amount at the time of the Gospels, so the master was entrusting a great deal to his servants. He must have been delighted with their work. Except for the one who only received one talent. There’s no reason to believe that he was a bad man. But he opts for security and not for risk.
As Pope Francis put it about those who live a “tomb-psychology” in the church: "Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of the joy of evangelisation! Disillusioned with reality, with the Church and with themselves, they experience a constant temptation to cling to a faint melancholy, lacking in hope, which seizes the heart like “the most precious of the devil’s potions”. Called to ra¬diate light and communicate life, in the end they are caught up in things that generate only dark¬ness and inner weariness, and slowly consume all zeal for the apostolate. For all this, I repeat: Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of the joy of evangelisation!" (Evangelii Gaudium I, 3; II, 83)
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ENCOUNTER CHRIST REFLECTIONS AND MEDITATIONS
Preparation for the Session
Adapted from Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2025
Presence of God: Jesus, As I come to you today, fill my heart, my whole being, with the wonder of your sacred presence. Help me to become more aware of your presence in my life, and more receptive to that presence. I desire to love you as you love me. May nothing ever separate me from you. (1-2 minutes of silence)
Freedom: Jesus, Grant me the grace to have freedom of spirit. Keep me from being bound by desires and actions that are not good for me or others. Cleanse my heart and soul that I may live joyously in your love. (1-2 minutes of silence)
Consciousness: Where am I with God? With others in my life? What am I grateful for? Is there something I am sorry for, words or actions that have hurt others, and which I now regret? I take a moment to ask forgiveness of God and of those whom I have hurt. God, I give you thanks for your constant love and care for me. Keep me always aware of your presence in my life. (2-3 minutes of silence)
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Opening Prayer
Teach me to go to this country beyond words and beyond names.
Teach me to pray on this side of the frontier, here where these woods are.
I need to be led by you.
I need my heart to be moved by you.
I need my soul to be made clean by your prayer. I need my will to be made strong by you.
I need the world to be saved and changed by you.
I need you for all those who suffer, who are in prison, in danger, in sorrow.
I need you for all the crazy people.
I need your healing hand to work always in my life.
I need you to make me, as you made your Son, a healer, a comforter, a savior.
I need you to name the dead.
I need you to help the dying cross their particular rivers.
I need you for myself whether I live or die.
It is necessary.
Amen.
We ask you, God, to give us the courage to go beyond our normal boundaries and be more open to your plans for us and those around us.
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Companions for the Journey
(From “First Impressions” 2023, a service of the Southern Dominican Province)
Today’s parable is of a rich man going on a long journey who entrusts his servants with money, according to each one’s ability. They are not to be idle while the master is gone. The money left them was an enormous amount. The “talent” was a coin of the highest denomination: think millions of dollars. The master did not leave instructions to the servants. He presumes they will know what they are to do with the money he has left them. The banking system in Jerusalem offered excellent rates of interest to merchants who entrusted their money it. The Romans had made trade routes safe from pirates and thieves, so trade was profitable. The third servant, afraid and cautious, didn’t have to bury what was given to him. The banks would have been a safe place to put the money, so the master had reason to be upset. The servant should have put the money in the bank where, at least, it would have earned interest. He was harsh on the third servant and takes away any trust he initially had in him. Jesus told this parable to his disciples and may have used it to condemn those Jewish religious authorities who were like the third servant. They may have kept the tradition that was entrusted to them pure and secure. But, when Jesus came, they were not open to the new situation and circumstances he presented. They refused to hear his message and take it to heart. Were they afraid to take a chance on him? Jesus is continuing the theme of preparedness he began in last Sunday’s gospel (Mt 25:1-13). Remember the delay of the bridegroom: the virgins were waiting for the one who would bring all things to conclusion. This week’s parable focuses on how disciples use their time waiting for the one who has promised to return. Notice the trust the master has in his servants. He gave each of them a significant amount and left it up to them to know what to do with it. The man returns and the behavior of the third servant underlines the importance of preparedness and initiative. He tries to justify his failure to earn a profit by saying he was intimidated by the master’s demanding reputation. The servant is called “wicked and lazy” and his master takes the one talent he has away from him. Despite his safe and fearful behavior the servant winds up with nothing. We may be waiting for the Lord’s return, but we are not to be passive, or inactive, because we fear engagement with the world. Playing it safe does not get rewarded in our parable Matthew was writing for a church in the 80's. They were learning the lesson of the parable: how to wait wisely for the Lord. The religious authorities were supposed to be guides for the people, but they had buried the truth to keep it “pure”; not open to the new ideas Jesus was preaching. In effect, they were destroying the treasure God had entrusted to them. The parable is an attempt to wake the disciples to the urgency of the moment Jesus was placing before them. Note that the parable has been called a “crisis parable.” It also speaks to us: “Wake up and see the opportunity God is presenting to you this day.” Responding to what Jesus asks of us may take risk. Like speaking up when a person, or people, are abused; resisting the allure of money and its false promises; staying the course, even when we are tempted to give up on our church; not giving into compromise at work, or school; staying by the side of a needy family member, etc.. The Lord has left us with the promise of his return. Meanwhile, he has given us gifts, or “charisms, to use for the benefit of the community. Using these gifts can be risky; we may face persecution, isolation, even death, or just chilled rejection. We cannot “play it safe” like the third servant, fearing negative possibilities, letting those gifts be unused, or underused. Haven’t we known people who are like the first, or second servant? They seem to have a focus and energy that has helped them respond to God’s grace by using their talents wisely and for the benefit of others. I know of a lawyer who gave up her profitable career to be a legal advocate for the poor. She seems tireless, hardly resting, but joyful. She has discovered a treasure that she wants to use for the benefit of others. She is also like the “ideal wife” in today’s Proverbs reading, using her time in a responsible and altruistic way to serve others. How did things between God and us begin? They began at creation and continue with God generously bestowing gifts upon us to be used serving God throughout history. We are partners with God for the good both now and into the future. The servants were trusted to use their own ingenuity and energy, one might even say boldness in their use of the funds. Being faithful is not a fixed state of life. The parable urges energy and risk. Perhaps we know what we should do, what changes we need to make, but are not doing it, not risking leaving a comfortable napping place to face what is asked of us these days. At this Eucharist we hesitant disciples pray for wisdom, direction and boldness to be disciples living this parable—a “parabolic people.” Think of the generosity our God revealed from the beginning of the Scriptures. We can trust that God will extend a hand towards us to give us what we need to live this parable as good and faithful stewards.
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Living the Good News
What action can you take in the next week as a response to today's reading and discussion? Keep a private journal of your prayer/actions responses this week. Feel free to use the personal reflection questions which follow.
Reflection Questions:
List some gifts or "talents" you have. Do you consider them to have been given or to have been lent?
What is the difference?
Do you use your talents for your own aggrandizement and success, or do you put them at the disposal of those who need help in some way?
If you were told to lay your biggest accomplishment thus far before God, what would it be?
What does this tell you about yourself?
This parable might not be about some specific talents we might use for God. It could be about committing all that we have. Is there anything I am holding back out of fear, greed, selfishness?
Are there people in our community who are giving way more than is expected of them?
What is God’s “property” that has been entrusted to me—the natural world itself, my loved ones, the poor and downtrodden, my career, for example?
Are the talents I have been loaned by God for this life His property or mine?
Why do you think the master rewards the man with two talents the same as the man with five talents?
What does it mean to ”reap what you do not sow” and “gather where you did not scatter seed”?”
The master is also willing to earn money at the expense of others… does this sound like God to you?
In your mind is Jesus more like the exacting master or more like a shepherd?
What was the final servant’s motive for being so cautious?
Did he see his job as basically to do the master’s bidding, or something else?
In what ways am I too tentative or too cautious in working for the kingdom?
In what ways do I bury my “talent” so that it doesn’t get in the way of my real life?
Am I risk-averse?
Have I been so preoccupied with my own life (family, fears, health, relationships, money, etc) that I lost track of my mission on this earth?
We think of talents as natural gifts, but in this time and in this parable, it means something of value. Could one’s reputation be a “talent”?
We speak of gifts of the Spirit. (Charisms). How might these be talents?
Do I see the word “talents” as opportunities God has given me?
For what purpose?
Have I seen any opportunities that have come my way to enhance the Kingdom?
Are these opportunities always recognized, or always welcomed?
Can bad luck be an opportunity?
Do I control my opportunities or does God?
Do I sense any urgency in the choices I make?
Do the talents I possess make me careless or arrogant?
What “talents” have I been given to use for the good of God’s kingdom?
What, in fact IS my true vocation?
If the word “talent” were a metaphor for the servant’s true vocation and he buried it so no one could see it, how might that relate to my own life?
We are either trading with our talents or burying them in the ground. What do I chose?
Have I ever kept some of what I have been entrusted with as something for my own gain, my own use?
What, exactly, is the “joy” we are promised? (Satisfaction, good luck, success, feeling of a mission accomplished, etc.)
By Jude Siciliano, O.P.
Do I treat my faith as something fragile, keeping it close and protected as if it will break if brought out into the open?
In my daily life, how venturesome before others am I with my faith?
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Closing Prayer
From Ray Stedman, a well-known 20th century Christian preacher: Lord Jesus, have I ventured anything for you? Have I risked my life for your sake? Or have I but transferred my ambition from the world of business or sport to the world of religion, still busy seeking self-aggrandizement, self-exaltation? Lord, teach me to risk, to abandon, to cast away what would minister only to myself and mine. For your name’s sake. Amen
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For the Week Ahead
Weekly Memorization
Taken from the gospel for today's session: Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Meditations
A Meditation in the Dominican Style/Asking Questions
Read Psalm 112:
Alleluia!
Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who takes great delight in his commandments.
His descendants shall be powerful on earth; the generation of the upright will be blest.
Riches and wealth are in his house; his justice stands firm forever.
A light rises in the darkness for the upright; he is generous, merciful, and just.
It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.
He will never be moved; forever shall the just be remembered.
He has no fear of evil news; with a firm heart, he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear; he will see the downfall of his foes.
Openhanded, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm forever. His might shall be exalted in glory.
The wicked sees and is angry, grinds his teeth and fades away; the desire of the wicked leads to doom.
Compare the behavior that is the outcome of fear of the Lord in this psalm with the behavior of the last servant in the parable of the talents. Here are two different meanings of the word "fear". In many ways, these differing attitudes are the result of how I think of God: Am I visioning a God who asks me to risk wildly for the sake of the kingdom, or am I visioning a God who is primarily the judge who tallies up my sins? My answer also depends on my culture, my personality, and my worldview: If I see the world as a treacherous place luring me into sin, and if I would prefer not to risk making mistakes, I have one view. On the other hand, if I see the world as full of opportunities to grow personally and opportunities to make a difference, if I think it is a failure never to risk failure by stretching myself, then I have another view. When you think of your relationship with God, which of these meanings fits your own personal behavior? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
A Meditation in the Ignatian Style/Imagination
I imagine that I am on the three-person finance team of a very wealthy investor. He is about to leave the country, sailing around the world on a sabbatical. He is a tough and exacting boss, and it is surprising that he says he does not want to be disturbed on this sabbatical for anything but the most dire emergency. Depending on our seniority, he gives us each a portion of his portfolio to manage while he is away. I am the most junior, so I get the least. Less responsibility for me, I think. The three of us are more often rivals than colleagues, so it is no wonder that we do not consult with one another about our investing choices. I really am afraid of losing my job, and want to be sure I do no lose any of my boss’s money, so I simply leave it in a savings account. In that way the FDIC will cover any losses that the bank incurs up to $250,000. The interest is almost nothing, but the risk is non-existent—especially since my boss only gave me about $250,000 to work with. While the boss is gone, the market has endured ups and downs, and I wonder what the others have done. I eventually learn that one of the team put the share he was entrusted with into an investment portfolio with medium risk, and the other put his into a real estate investment. When the master returns, I realize how much more the other investments made compared to mine, but expect to be thanked for not risking my boss’s money. Well, as you might guess, I was fired for my timidity and I still wonder why. What would have happened if the others lost their boss’s money? In this story I can see myself on one of the three members of the finance team, except that the “portfolio” I have been given are my talents, my education, my situation in life, my place in the community and the Church. Am I a risk-taker; do I sometimes act without thinking of negative consequences? Or am I so risk-averse that I coast along, expecting the minimum out of life and not making any waves, even if I am confronted with evil? Do I look over my shoulder, worried that others are catching up to me in the race for success or spiritual perfection? Am I proactive or reactive? What, exactly, are the motives behind the choices I make in my family, at work or in the larger culture I inhabit? I look at what risks I am willing to take for the sake of my own soul, but especially for the good of the Kingdom here on earth. What have I risked for those I love? What have I gained or lost? What have I risked for God?
A Meditation in the Franciscan Style/Action
This parable is more than an exhortation to use well our qualities. It is about the kingdom, which has been entrusted to the disciples and thence to us, as Jesus embarked on his journey away from earthly life. When Jesus returns, he will expect his servants to have put to work the riches he has entrusted to us. How has the Catholic Church done in this regard? What events or people, especially, have mirrored the mission of growing the Kingdom? What events or people have not? In our own individual lives, we have inherited this command from Jesus. How do I interpret this commission Jesus left me with? What actions are required of me in this world here and now? When my master comes for me, how will I answer?
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Poetic Reflection
How does this poem by Thomas Centollella, a former Stanford Stegner Fellow, capture the urgency of this parable’s message?
Big Rec
A few hours spent in the dry rooms of the dying
Then the walk home, the sudden rain
Comes hard, and you want it coming hard,
You want it hitting you in the forehead
Like anointment, blessing all the days
That otherwise would be dismissed
As business as usual. Now you’re ready
To lean upon the rail above the empty diamonds
Where, in the summer, the ballplayers wait patiently
For one true moment more alive than all the rest.
Now you’re ready for the ancient religion of dogs,
That unleashed romp through the wildness, responding
To no one’s liturgy but the field’s and the rain’s.
You’ve come this far, but you need to live further in.
You need to slip into the blind man awhile,
Tap along with his can past the market stalls
And take in, as if they were abandoned,
The little blue crabs which in an hour will be eaten.
You have to become large enough to accommodate
All the small lives that otherwise would be forgotten.
You have to raise yourself to the power of ten.
Love more, require less, love without regard
For form. You have to live further in.
—Thomas Centollela, from Lights and Mysteries
