The Talents

The Talents

¹⁶ Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. ¹⁷ And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. ¹⁸ But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. ¹⁹ After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Matthew 25:16-19

So what are these talents that these servants were given. From the parables point of view, it was the lord’s money. Now you have probably heard several different explanations on what those talents mean in our context. Some say it’s talents in terms of abilities that God gives us. Others talk about it being influence or opportunities. Others claim that it is exactly what it claims to be- the lord’s money or the riches that the Lord gives us in our lives.

When you look at the context of the chapter you see that there are three main parts. The first is about the ten virgins where the lesson there is about making sure we have the Holy Spirit in our lives. The second is the talents and the third is about the judgement day where the focus is on helping the poor, hungry, imprisoned and sick.

Although you can see different focusses between the three stories, you can also see a general connection. It’s all about the gifts that God gives us and how we use them- or don’t.

In that way, the talents can mean different things. It can symbolize the gift of the Holy Spirit, something of great value that God expects us to gain and grow. It can also symbolize our goods, resources, abilities and opportunities as we see in the third story. It can be as simple as a cup of water or a meal. It can be a kind word or an act of compassion.

In the end, I believe that it is everything that God gives us. It is the breath of life as we wake up for the day, the food in our fridges, our jobs, families, friends and joys. God is up in heaven, far away from us, but he has not left us with nothing.

What are we doing with all of those blessings? That is the question that this story asks. As we burying our precious gifts of God. Are we being greedy and not allowing anyone else to benefit from our gifts?

God’s talents in your life are many and varied. Take some time to think about all that God has given you and continues to provide. I guarantee that it will be more than what you are lacking.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto