Daily Reflection Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Throughout the history of our country, as well as the world, there have been times of serious chaos. Jesus’ parable today warns us that we cannot throw up our hands and do nothing about the problems. The servant in today’s gospel does just that. Given a coin to invest or begin a business, the last servant hides it. Whether out of fear or laziness, he does not even attempt to be creative with this money. He even shelters himself in fear when explaining his lack of originality. Consequently, his master is furious with him for not trading the coin.

    What Jesus is trying to tell us is that we all have natural gifts, but it takes creativity and prayer to develop these for our own good and for others. Last week I was shopping in a department store. I am always in a hurry, so I do the self-checkout. Of course, the machine buzzed that I had done something wrong. A store clerk appeared at my side. She was a young woman seemingly developmentally delayed but eager to assist me. In less than a minute she corrected the machine and completed my purchase. The big smile on her face communicated to me that “We all have our talents.” I still think about that woman who knows she has a gift, developed it and is now using it for the good of the customers in that store. How different from the man in today’s gospel!

    God has given each of us more talents than we could ever develop in a lifetime. Whatever natural gifts God has given us, we are asked to open them, develop them and share their fruits with others. From speaking kindly to people, to caring for and using natural resources carefully, to making room for the homeless and alienated, we are developing that God-given talent. Like the man in today’s gospel, I myself can cry, “I cannot be a basketball player because I am too short.” If I do, I am neglecting the myriad ways I can show God’s love by developing those talents God has given me individually.

    The Book of Revelation in today’s first reading instructs us to give glory to God “for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created.” Instead of miring ourselves in confusion that only usurps our energies, let’s renew our dependence on God. Let’s be creative in working together to save our planet, in finding the good in those we don’t like, in respecting people for who they are. This homework is not easy. Remember that Jesus told us parables to shake us up...Where do I, where do you need to be shaken?