Burying Talents

‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:14-30

Our society is very competitive and can be very cruel to those who don't have glamorous talent. If we are not the best, we often believe we have nothing to share. We keep our small talents to ourselves and don't share what we have. We are afraid to teach someone else, or we find no one seems interested. Though the talents Jesus is talking about is money, and that which is invested, too often we live in fear of not having enough or being the best. We bury our talent, depriving our children and friends the benefit of investing them with our talents. So many young people today were never taught to sew or cook, to repair and to weave. We have failed in passing our talents on. May we invest the measure we have today, so others can benefit, learn and grow.

Loving Creator, you have given us everything

our basic needs and the talents to survive and thrive

some have more than others, all have enough

and you walk with us through this confusing world.

We compare ourselves to others and see our lack

yet you see the talent shining like diamonds

you patiently encourage us to step out in faith

and share the measure we have so it might grow.

Help us today to refrain from burying and hiding

let us bravely step out in faith and share our talents

make us courageous enough to teach others

and humble enough to trust in your blessings. Amen.