Reflection/Homily for 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 19th November 2023

Reflection/Homily for 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 19th November 2023

Proverbs 31:10-13,19-20,30-31. Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. Matthew 25:14-30.

Theme: "Using Our Talents Wisely"

The first reading gives us the example of an ideal woman who is an industrious woman. She is far more precious to a man than all the jewels he could collect. Her husband can put all his trust in her; the care and management of his home is in safe and capable hands. Not only will she not waste his property, but she will also add to it by her industriousness.

She will provide for her own family, but will have enough to help her needy neighbours. She is always prepared to do things pleasing to God.

As we draw closer to the end of this liturgical year, the Catholic Church calls our attention to put into consideration the eternal truths in the second reading. Our encounter with the Lord will arrive without warning, like a thief in the night. No matter how prepared we think we are for its arrival, death always takes us by surprise. However, this need not frighten us once we live a good Christian life. 

In today's Gospel, the Lord teaches us that we must spend our earthly life in such a way as to make heaven. Jesus compares our time on earth to a long-term leasing arrangement. He gave a parable, saying, "A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability" (Matt. 25:14-15). The owner knew the capability of each of his servants. He did not want to burden every one of them with the same responsibility. That would have been unjust. On returning back, he came to settle the account with his servants. The servant with five talents made an additional five talents. Similarly, the servant with two talents doubled his two talents. For this, these first two servants deserve his wonderful words of praise, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master" (Matt.25:21).

Lastly, the third servant who had not used his single talent tried to excuse his negligence like many of us when we fail to do what we ought to do, we give excuses or blame somebody else, by saying that he knew how hard and demanding the master was, and therefore did not risk investing his talent in case he should lose it.

The master knew the real reason why this servant did not invest his talent. It was sinfulness and sloth. He said he knew his master was demanding and exacting, but he knew he was safe during the master's absence and probably had convinced himself that the master would never return. Now his troubles begin. He was duly and justifiably punished for his nerve and lack of initiative.

In this parable, the master represents God. The servants are all human beings. Talents represent natural and supernatural goods, qualities of mind, and body, graces, everything that we owe God, and of which we must render an account before his judgment.

The parable of the talents speaks about the use of talents and gifts that God has given us. The first two servants invested and reaped a profit, while the third did not because he claimed to be afraid and punished. Ironically, he was the one who was given the least and from whom the least was expected. But even that little, he failed to produce. He did not take the risk, and he was punished, and his talent was given to the one who made more profit.

For one to be able to use the gifts given by God, one needs the right attitude and approach for that to happen. There is no single person who does not at any point in time desire much more than he/she has, both in terms of material, mental, and psychological resources. Hence, anyone can become the servant with one talent if one desires. The person who desires more than he/she possesses can choose to see the world from the prism of resentment and will usually feel cheated by life. Another person can see that in the midst of a lack, there are still blessings and things to be thankful for. Such a person has the right attitude to change his world with his gifts.

We are expected to make an active and positive contribution; taking an active part in our church activities, and making a contribution to the betterment of our society. The good work we do with love, for our family, community and society at large, is making use of our talent. When love is made visible by our work and when we glorify God for giving us the strength and humility, it is making use of our real talent.

May God grant us the grace to use wisely the gifts He has blessed us with to make our world a better place through Christ our Lord. Amen.