Trustworthy in Small Things

As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to rule over us.” When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” He said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” He said to him, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” (And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) “I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.” ’ Luke 19:11-27

This parable of the talents, as it once was called, has often troubled me. Jesus is often making a point in the extreme when he uses parables. I can't imagine God as one who would punish the fearful and the anxious. Instead, I think we are invited today to use what we have been given, however small it might be, for the building up of God's kingdom, divine love here on earth. We might be afraid of failure, yet we are promised increase and blessings however big or small our gifts might seem.

Gracious God, you give us enough

fill us with food and shelter for today

strength to face the storms of tomorrow

and a loving community to strengthen us.

We are often fearful and reluctant to act

we hide our talents and bury our treasure

we believe that a shortage is inevitable

and we discount your promises to us.

Help us to offer the small and meager gifts

knowing you will help us to flourish

trusting that your love is more than enough

believing that we are blessed here and now. Amen