Time, Talent and Treasure

As we draw near the end of the year, the Church’s liturgy is focused upon the end times. Today, we hear about the steward’s talents, given and shared. Right from the start of the parable, Jesus tells us that the landowner gives each servant the funds according to their ability. The owner knows his men and in giving them the talents according to their ability, he expects that they will put their talents to good use. The first two are productive; the third is lazy with his talents.

The term talent was equivalent to a weight measure of 75 pounds. Notice that the owner distributes the talents accordingly. Nowadays, the term talent is used to describe some kind of gift or ability. Talents or abilities are given to us, and it is up to us to use them well. The first two are reliable, productive, industrious and dependable. Lazy and wickeddescribe the third. God expects us to use our talents well, not to be lazy and wicked with what we have.

The three Ts are very good for our meditation, namely, time, talent and treasure. How well do we use them?

The servants were well rewarded in using their time, talent and treasure accordingly. The amount given them doubles as they prove to be trustworthy. The other had his talents taken from him and given to one who would use them more
productively.

God will deal with us accordingly. We must take every opportunity to use our time well. We have 24 hours in a day — how do we use it for God? What is our treasure? How well do we share our wealth? Do we hide it? What are our talents? How well do we use them for God, church and society? The measure with which we give is the measure by which we will be judged. Would it not be wonderful to hear the Lord say to us at the end of our life, “Well done, you shall share your Master’s joy”? So let us begin today by reflecting on our time, talents and treasure with firm resolve to use them accordingly. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Reflection Question:
What are my time, talents and treasure? Do I use them well?

Lord, You have truly blessed mewith time, talents and treasure. Help me to use them according to Your will. Amen.

St. Didacus, pray for us.