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| Rev. Fr. Vally SJ |
AFRAID OF TAKING RISKS
Matthew 25, 14-30
José Antonio Pagola Translated by
Rev. Fr. Valantine de Souza SJ ( Mandal, Vyara)
THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A) 13 October 2011
The parable of the talents is well known among Christians. According to the story, before he leaves on a journey, a man entrusts the management of his possessions to three servants. To one he leaves five talents, to another two, and to a third, one: “ to each according to his ability.” From each he expects a fitting response.
The first two begin "immediately" to trade with their talents. They can be seen working hard, having taken to heart the project of their master. They are not afraid of taking risks. When the owner returns they bring him the fruit of their labor with pride: they have managed to double the talents they received.
The reaction of the third servant is strange. The only thing he can think of is to keep the talent he received safe by hiding it in a hole in the ground. When his master returns, he justifies his action with these words: “Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant…So out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.” The master condemns him as a “useless” servant.
In fact, the roots of his behavior are much deeper. This servant has a wrong image of his master. He takes him to be egoistic, unjust and arbitrary. He is demanding and does not tolerate mistakes. He cannot be trusted. It’s best to be on your guard against him.
This narrow idea of his master paralyzes him. He does not dare to take any risk. Fear blocks him. He is not free to respond creatively to the responsibility given him. It’s best to keep the talent safe. That should do.
The Christians of the first generations probably understood better than us, the inner meaning of the parable. Jesus has entrusted to us the Project of the Father to bring about a more just and humane world. He has left us as a legacy the commandment of love. He has entrusted us with the Good News of a God who is a friend of human beings. How are we responding today as followers of Jesus?
When we live the Christian faith not out of trust but out of fear, we undermine everything. The faith is preserved but not transmitted. Religion becomes an obligation. The Good News is replaced by observance. Worship is dominated by concern for ritual.
It would be a mistake to present ourselves one day before the Lord with the attitude of the third servant: here you have what is yours. Here’s your Gospel, here’s your Project of your Kingdom, and your message of love for those who suffer. We have preserved it faithfully. We have preached it correctly. It has not been of much use in changing our lives, neither has it opened up ways to bringing about the justice of your kingdom. But here it is intact.
The first two begin "immediately" to trade with their talents. They can be seen working hard, having taken to heart the project of their master. They are not afraid of taking risks. When the owner returns they bring him the fruit of their labor with pride: they have managed to double the talents they received.
The reaction of the third servant is strange. The only thing he can think of is to keep the talent he received safe by hiding it in a hole in the ground. When his master returns, he justifies his action with these words: “Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant…So out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.” The master condemns him as a “useless” servant.
In fact, the roots of his behavior are much deeper. This servant has a wrong image of his master. He takes him to be egoistic, unjust and arbitrary. He is demanding and does not tolerate mistakes. He cannot be trusted. It’s best to be on your guard against him.
This narrow idea of his master paralyzes him. He does not dare to take any risk. Fear blocks him. He is not free to respond creatively to the responsibility given him. It’s best to keep the talent safe. That should do.
The Christians of the first generations probably understood better than us, the inner meaning of the parable. Jesus has entrusted to us the Project of the Father to bring about a more just and humane world. He has left us as a legacy the commandment of love. He has entrusted us with the Good News of a God who is a friend of human beings. How are we responding today as followers of Jesus?
When we live the Christian faith not out of trust but out of fear, we undermine everything. The faith is preserved but not transmitted. Religion becomes an obligation. The Good News is replaced by observance. Worship is dominated by concern for ritual.
It would be a mistake to present ourselves one day before the Lord with the attitude of the third servant: here you have what is yours. Here’s your Gospel, here’s your Project of your Kingdom, and your message of love for those who suffer. We have preserved it faithfully. We have preached it correctly. It has not been of much use in changing our lives, neither has it opened up ways to bringing about the justice of your kingdom. But here it is intact.
Foster trust in God in the Church
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