Our gifts and abilities are to serve God and others

1Cor 1:26-31; Psalm: 32; Mt 25:14-30

In Matthew 25:14-30, we are presented with the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before going away on a journey. Upon his return, he assesses how each servant has managed the talents given to them. The two servants who invested and multiplied their talents are praised and rewarded, while the third servant who buried his talent out of fear is rebuked and punished. This parable teaches us the importance of using our gifts and abilities to serve God and others, rather than hiding them out of fear or laziness.

St. Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church known for her mystical experiences and writings, provides insight into the parable of the talents with her words, “Do not be satisfied with little things, because God wants great things!” This quote reminds us that God has given each of us unique talents and abilities that are meant to be used for His glory. We are called to step out in faith and take risks to grow and multiply the talents entrusted to us, rather than playing it safe or settling for mediocrity. St. Catherine challenges us to strive for greatness in our service to God and others, relying on His grace to guide and empower us.

Reflecting on the parable of the talents and St. Catherine’s words, we are reminded of the importance of being faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us. We are called to be proactive in using our talents to build up the Kingdom of God, rather than burying them out of fear or complacency. By investing our time, resources, and abilities in the service of others, we can contribute to the spread of God’s love and bring about positive change in the world. May we embrace the challenge of the parable of the talents, striving for excellence in all that we do as we seek to fulfill God’s will for our lives.