33RD SUNDAY OF THE YEAR A 23

19 NOVEMBER 2023, 33rd SUNDAY, Matthew 25. 14-30: Parable of Talents   Arrow: Gifts and talents – laid waste or put to use? Focus: What is important is not how much we receive but how much we give in return. God does not see how much we have but He sees what we do with what we have   1. The parable of talents is not a question of the difference of talents given. It is a difference but not discrimination. 2. One need not make an issue out of it justifying disparities and inequalities. The fact is we are born different. 3. Here, it may help us to think of two levels of talents: the secondary and the primary. The secondary level comprises various skills and competencies, like singing, dancing, art, drawing, intelligence, eloquence, socializing, organizing, etc. 4. And there may be variance in regard to this secondary level of talents. Thus, there is also a possibility for comparisons. But one should not be too caught up with this secondary level. Because, that will lead to unhealthy competitions, feelings of disparity and discrimination. 5. Subsequently, it can also lead to jealousies and arrogance. Rather, it is wise to focus on the primary level of talents, and no one is deprived of the primary level of talents. These are more fundamental and essential. They are namely the gift to love, to give, to be virtuous, to be benevolent to others. 6. Here, there is no question of discrimination. No one is given less than needed to become a fine human person with humane qualities. What is important is how each one searches out all the possibilities to put in the best and to develop himself, without negative and jealous comparison and competition. 7. Each one is accountable for what he has received and how he made the best use of his gifts. There is no use of receiving more but giving back little.   Direction: The real matter is not how many talents we have or how talented we are but how receptive and productive we are, how responsible and fruitful we are