You need to have read the daily readings to understand some of these thoughts.
The unusual example Jesus used in the selection fa nobleman who was going off to be formally installed as a king warrants some reflection. Especially his severe treatment of those who did not make profit on his funds while he was away. Even beyond that this same "nobleman," one returned as king, ordered the execution of those who had objected to his becoming a king.
We know the story of the talents (a specific coin). Upon return, being the business man that he was, the new king demanded an accounting. All of the servants did well ... except one, the one who had been given the smallest amount, one talent. For his failure to make even the interest in a banking investment and his fear of the new king (probably one of those who disliked the man becoming king) he lost everything.
Jesus uses this example to teach something about the Kingdom of God. He uses the story to show that the king is not for those who are enemies of God. There will be a time of accounting. (As one commentator I read said, "So much for the good and gentle Jesus.")
So what does this story mean for us? It is simple: the kingdom of God has its price! God asks us to be all that we are, all that he created when he made us. The Christian vocation is not easy. Yet, as we have read many times in Scripture, in the lives and words of saints and our Church's teachings, it is worth everything --- even our lives! The imagery of the "talents" easily translates into our regular use of the word "talent." Again, simply stated, "Use it or lose it!" Be like the Maccabee boys: they accepted the gift of their faith and never buried it even though it meant martyrdom.
The unusual example Jesus used in the selection fa nobleman who was going off to be formally installed as a king warrants some reflection. Especially his severe treatment of those who did not make profit on his funds while he was away. Even beyond that this same "nobleman," one returned as king, ordered the execution of those who had objected to his becoming a king.
We know the story of the talents (a specific coin). Upon return, being the business man that he was, the new king demanded an accounting. All of the servants did well ... except one, the one who had been given the smallest amount, one talent. For his failure to make even the interest in a banking investment and his fear of the new king (probably one of those who disliked the man becoming king) he lost everything.
Jesus uses this example to teach something about the Kingdom of God. He uses the story to show that the king is not for those who are enemies of God. There will be a time of accounting. (As one commentator I read said, "So much for the good and gentle Jesus.")
So what does this story mean for us? It is simple: the kingdom of God has its price! God asks us to be all that we are, all that he created when he made us. The Christian vocation is not easy. Yet, as we have read many times in Scripture, in the lives and words of saints and our Church's teachings, it is worth everything --- even our lives! The imagery of the "talents" easily translates into our regular use of the word "talent." Again, simply stated, "Use it or lose it!" Be like the Maccabee boys: they accepted the gift of their faith and never buried it even though it meant martyrdom.
