COMMON OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Well done, my good and faithful servant. 

What talents have you received from the Lord? Perhaps you have a beautiful singing voice that helps people lift their hearts to God. Or perhaps you are a project management extraordinaire who helps keep your colleagues and family members organized. Maybe you have a gift for encouragement, and wherever you go, people feel built up. Whether serving the people in your family, workplace, or church, your talents shine when they are put to good use.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples a parable about a master who entrusts some of his talents—or highly valued coins—to his servants with the expectation that they will invest them. “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” he says to both servants who increased their talents during his absence. “Come, share your master’s joy” (Matthew 25:21, 23). In the same way, God has entrusted us with talents and gifts, and he expects us to “invest” them by using them to build his kingdom.

So how can you invest the talents the Lord has given you? First, take the time to contemplate what you’ve been given. Lay aside any concerns about what you lack. Instead, thank God for the gifts you do have, gifts he has given to you out of his generous love. Thank him even if other people don’t recognize or celebrate your talents. Thank him, too, that you are uniquely created with talents that can give him glory as you serve those around you. Then ask him to help you be open to new or different opportunities to invest your talents when they arise.

The more aware you become of how you have been blessed with specific gifts, the more your eyes will be opened to all the opportunities around you to use them. Be willing to start small, and be patient with yourself and with others as you discover new ways to share your talents. Share them generously as you await the Master’s praise: “Come and share in my joy”!

“Father, thank you for being so generous with the gifts you have given me. Help me to freely give away what I have received.”

1 Thessalonians 4:9-11
Psalm 98:1, 7-9
Matthew 25:14-30