The first came forward and said,
‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’
He replied, ‘Well done, good servant!’

luke 19:16-17

Luke 19:11-28

Reflection

Jesus tells a parable about a nobleman who leaves for another country to obtain a kingship. Before leaving, however, he entrusts gold coins to three of his servants to trade with. Upon returning (with the kingship), he discovers that two of the servants have been faithful to his command and made money on their original amount of coin. The third servant, however, hid away his one gold coin for reasons of fear, not making any money. The master is angry and takes away that servant’s coin, giving it to the one who has ten.

Jesus provides each of us with differing amounts of gifts. Some may be talented intellectually, athletically, musically, mechanically, and so on. Others may have extremely generous hearts or excel at being patient. When Jesus entrusts us with these gifts, talents, and virtues, he does not do so for our benefit only, but for the benefit of those around us. We are expected to use what we have to glorify God and help others, not simply keep them to ourselves like the wicked servant.

Even if we don’t seem to have as many gifts as someone else we know, that doesn’t mean we can squander away what we do have. Jesus is pleased when we use our gifts for good, no matter how insignificant they might seem to us.

Ask Jesus for the courage to use your special gifts more frequently and openly, in order to spread God’s love and goodness. He has a special plan for you and the gifts he has given you – will you cooperate?

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Saint of the Day

St. Edmund Rich: 1175 – 1240

“I have sought nothing else but You, O God.” St. Edmund Rich, on his deathbed