“Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one—to each according to his ability. Then he went away.” Matthew 25:14–15
We know this parable, I’m sure we’ve all read it many times and heard numerous homilies on it. Today, while reading and reflecting upon Jesus’ words, the Lord asked me this question, “How many talents will you return?”
None of us want to be the man who is cast out into the darkness. I assume we all want to hear those wonderful words, “well done good and faithful servant.” But, what will you do to ‘earn it’?
Yes, before you blow up and say, ‘nothing we do can earn our salvation’, I know. But, that doesn’t mean that if the Lord would give to us five, two or even one talent that we can give Him back only what we were given. I’d even contest that we can’t just place it in a bank to collect interest. This parable isn’t about passive ‘investment.’
The Lord has given each of us talents. Many or one, He looks to see what we do with what we’ve been given.
My response to the Lord’s question was quick and simple, “Lord, if you give me but one talent, I want not to give back two or five, I want to give back Your one talent as ten or a hundred or thousand.”
The Lord is greedy. But, not for gifts or treasures except those which are most treasured – souls. Use the talents the Lord has given to return treasured souls to the Lord a thousand fold. Give back to Him at least one. Spend the talents and interest of your life on the Lord. Make His Kingdom your greatest investment.
You’ve received a bank full of Divine Mercy, pay it out now to bring back not His Mercy but souls on the day of collection.