Observation:
This is a familiar parable to all of us. The master gives three servants 5, 2 and 1 talent(s) respectively. The first two invested the talents and doubled it. The third one, out of fear, buried the talent. The master returns, commends the first two, and castigates the third. His one talent is taken away from him and given to the first servant.
Interpretation:
The talent does not refer to our “talent” or “skills.” It is a unit of measure, approximately 33 kilos. When used by itself, a talent would refer to gold; if one wanted to refer to silver, then the phrase “5 talents of silver” would be used. Thus, the 5, 2 and 1 talent(s) given to the servants would be equivalent to 165, 66 and 33 kilos of gold. That’s a lot of gold!
This tells us that the gospel writer is referring to more than just our gifts and skills, but to something far more valuable. Biblically, the relationship of “master and servant” usually refers to the relationship of “God and people.” In this particular case, the talent would refer to the great gift of Jesus Christ, and how each disciple multiplied this “gift” by introducing Jesus Christ to others.
The third servant did not do anything because of his “fear.” He played safe. This would refer to those disciples who interpreted discipleship in terms of simply following the rules and legal requirements of religion. They looked at God as someone who was very concerned about laws and legalism, just as the Pharisees were.
Generalization:
Our discipleship does not simply mean following the rules: going to mass, attending prayer meetings, going to confession, saying prayers, and so on.
It also means taking risks, fighting for principles, helping when not convenient, forgiving those difficult to forgive, loving the unlovable, taking care of the poor and marginalized.
Application:
When was the last time you took a risk for Jesus?
What bold vision do you have for the Apostolate, so you can lead others closer to Jesus?
