Using Our Gifts

 

 Luke 19:11-28

The Parable of the Ten Minas

¹¹ While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. ¹² He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. ¹³ So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

¹⁴ “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’

¹⁵ “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

¹⁶ “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’

¹⁷ “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

¹⁸ “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’

¹⁹ “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’

²⁰ “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. ²¹ I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

²² “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? ²³ Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

²⁴ “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

²⁵ “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’

²⁶ “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. ²⁷ But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’”

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

November 22, 60 years ago, our young and popular president, John F. Kennedy was assassinated before the eyes of a stunned nation and set the tone for a tumultuous block of history that increasingly lumbers down a dark path. A faithful, long-time pastor in the small town of Esopus, New York, Fr. Eugene Grohe, leaves this world at the age of 99 for eternal rest in Paradise; we prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow reading the challenge to use our talents, no matter how great or small, faithfully or face dire consequences. All stark reminders that   our lives are filled with challenges, and disappointments, and that we cannot do this alone. Yes, we need the help of one another but above all, we need God's help. May our reflections today focus on what gifts we have received and how we are using them.  Let us pray for the grace to make the necessary  adjustments.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, you are our King; you make all things possible. Help me to use the time and talents you have given me to make my family, my community, my workplace fertile and life-giving. Amen.