Faith and Talent

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present a challenge to assess the extent to which we are using our God given talents to better our world and the bias and boundaries we may need to challenge as followers of Christ.

Bringing Talents for Faith

The Reading from the Second Book of Maccabees presents the choice of Martyrdom of a Mother and Her Seven Sons.

* [7:28] God did not make them out of existing things: that is, all things were made solely by God’s omnipotent will and creative word; cf. Heb 11:3. This statement has often been taken as a basis for “creation out of nothing” (Latin creatio ex nihilo). (2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 17 is the lament of an individual unjustly attacked.

* [Psalm 17] A lament of an individual unjustly attacked. Confident of being found innocent, the psalmist cries out for God’s just judgment (Ps 17:1–5) and requests divine help against enemies (Ps 17:6–9a). Those ravenous lions (Ps 17:9b–12) should be punished (Ps 17:13–14). The Psalm ends with a serene statement of praise (Ps 17:15). The Hebrew text of Ps 17:3–4, 14 is uncertain. (Psalms, PSALM 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, the Parable of the Ten Gold Coins, highlights our responsibility to use our talents.

* [19:11–27] In this parable Luke has combined two originally distinct parables: (1) a parable about the conduct of faithful and productive servants (Lk 19:13, 15b–26) and (2) a parable about a rejected king (Lk 19:12, 14–15a, 27). The story about the conduct of servants occurs in another form in Mt 25:14–20. The story about the rejected king may have originated with a contemporary historical event. After the death of Herod the Great, his son Archelaus traveled to Rome to receive the title of king. A delegation of Jews appeared in Rome before Caesar Augustus to oppose the request of Archelaus. Although not given the title of king, Archelaus was made ruler over Judea and Samaria. As the story is used by Luke, however, it furnishes a correction to the expectation of the imminent end of the age and of the establishment of the kingdom in Jerusalem (Lk 19:11). Jesus is not on his way to Jerusalem to receive the kingly power; for that, he must go away and only after returning from the distant country (a reference to the parousia) will reward and judgment take place.

* [19:13] Ten gold coins: literally, “ten minas.” A mina was a monetary unit that in ancient Greece was the equivalent of one hundred drachmas. (Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

A Member of Creighton University Community comments that in today’s gospel Jesus isn’t talking about God as an international investment banker. Money is just a metaphor. The underlying message is very clear: What we have received is not for us alone; it is to be shared and thereby multiplied.

We are stewards, pure and simple. Not just of money – but of talent, aptitude, opportunity, health, heritage, industriousness – everything. It’s all gift, no matter how hard we seem to have worked for it. (Others have worked as hard, but failed.) None of it is intended mainly for us, the caretakers. It is to be given, not kept. If we don’t see to it that it benefits everyone else, then we’ve failed, and we’ve lost everything we had been given to boot. Yes, indeed. Not our way at all.

Chance alone ensures that assets will become unevenly distributed over time, whether money, talent, or opportunity. Restoring some measure of evenness is up to us as the stewards of all God’s gifts. It won’t happen without us. A disciple of Jesus is not just a believer, not just a member of a Christian church, but someone who actively continues the Master’s work. (Member of Creighton University Community, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Talents are divine gifts given to the faithful,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"To those who believe in him, the Savior distributes a variety of divine gifts. We affirm that this is the meaning of the talent. Truly great is the difference between those who receive the talents and those who have even completely denied his kingdom. They are rebels that throw off the yoke of his scepter, while the others are endowed with the glory of serving him. As faithful servants, therefore, they are entrusted with their Lord's wealth. They gain something by doing business. They earn the praises due to faithful service, and they are considered worthy of eternal honors." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 129) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 19:11-28 comments that we can’t expect Jesus to give us a detailed set of instructions or a step-by-step script. That’s not exactly how he works. No, he wants us to be creative and find your own way to invest in the things that Scripture tells you are important to him.

Yes, you may stumble at times, especially if you are just starting out. But anyone experienced in money matters will tell you that investing involves taking risks. You will learn to do better over time. Even more, you’ll learn how patient and merciful your heavenly Master is!

So don’t stay on the sidelines, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. Today is a perfect day to take the risk of investing in the kingdom of God! 

“Jesus, thank you for calling me to spend myself on you!” (Meditation on Luke 19:11-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler common that seven brothers are persecuted for being Jewish by the Seleucid Emperor.  One by one they are martyred for their faith while maintaining belief in the resurrection of the dead. We are not likely to be arrested and martyred, but St Therese of Lisieux describes a martyrdom of pinpricks as we give up our will to serve others. In the Gospel, a king gives gold coins to his servants to invest. One earns ten more. Another earns five more. The one who fails to earn more, loses his coins. The one who has will receive more and one who has little will lose it is applied to our faith. Friar Jude notes Jesus' journey to Jerusalem begins and Luke reminds us Jesus is the king of the parable and we have received talents to grow for the kingdom.

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room. He emphasizes how God calls us to go out into the world with his Spirit and live in community and with devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the Eucharist, and prayer just like the first Christians. Today’s readings are Acts 2, Romans 2-3, and Proverbs 26:27-28.

Brian McLaren offers an episode of the Learning How to See podcast, where Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis speaks of confirmation bias. 

We are all wired by what we’ve experienced to be in search of a story with an ending … that feels like it has a completion. The stories that we gravitate to are the ones that make sense to us, stories that fit, stories that feel like they have continuity, connection to the past, where we’ve been…. Those stories that we will follow are the ones that feel true, feel like they have continuity to our past and that resonate with the trajectory of our lives. We’re looking for the story that doesn’t necessarily change our minds; we’re actually looking for the story that confirms what’s in our minds. [2] (McLaren, n.d.)

Brian McLaren offers a prayer to seek truth and wisdom.

Source of all truth, help me to hunger for truth, even if it upsets, modifies, or overturns what I already think is true. Guide me into all the truth I can bear and stretch me to bear more, so that I may always choose the whole truth, even with disruption, over half- truths with self-deception. Grant me the passion to follow wisdom wherever it leads. Thank you. [3] (McLaren, n.d.)

We are inspired by the Spirit to be grateful for the talents we have as we work in the vineyard of the Lord to affirm the love and generosity of God.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?11 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). The Power of Confirmation Bias. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/ 

Meditation on Luke 19:11-28. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/19/1432065/ 

Member of Creighton University Community. (2025, November 19). Daily Reflection November 19, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-19-2025 

Psalms, PSALM 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/17?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). They Did Not Want Me to Reign over Them. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/7?1 

Belonging Believing and Bias

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary challenge us to awareness of the potential cost of our commitment to the Way of Jesus.

Consider the Cost

The Reading from the Second Book of Maccabees describes the Martyrdom of Eleazar.

* [6:18–7:42] The stories of Eleazar and of the mother and her seven sons, among the earliest models of “martyrology,” were understandably popular. Written to encourage God’s people in times of persecution, they add gruesome details to the record of tortures, and place long speeches in the mouths of the martyrs. (2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 3 hopes for God’s protection.

* [Psalm 3] is an individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue (Ps 3:2–3). Despite such taunts the psalmist hopes for God’s protection even in sleep (Ps 3:4–7). The Psalm prays for an end to the enemies’ power to speak maliciously (Ps 3:8) and closes peacefully with an expression of trust (Ps 3:9). (Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke describes Jesus encounter with Zacchaeus the Tax Collector.

* [19:1–10] The story of the tax collector Zacchaeus is unique to this gospel. While a rich man (Lk 19:2), Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man of Lk 18:18–23 who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus, according to Luke, exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth: he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor (Lk 19:8) and consequently is the recipient of salvation (Lk 19:9–10).

* [19:9] A descendant of Abraham: literally, “a son of Abraham.” The tax collector Zacchaeus, whose repentance is attested by his determination to amend his former ways, shows himself to be a true descendant of Abraham, the true heir to the promises of God in the Old Testament. Underlying Luke’s depiction of Zacchaeus as a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jews (Lk 1:73; 16:22–31), is his recognition of the central place occupied by Israel in the plan of salvation.

* [19:10] This verse sums up for Luke his depiction of the role of Jesus as savior in this gospel. (Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Desiree Nownes comments that today’s readings are about doing what is right for the betterment of all, no matter the cost. Both Eleazar and Jesus know what standing up and speaking the truth will cost.

The gospel teaches us several real lessons:

1. No one is beyond God’s reach; Even the most unredeemed can be forgiven.

2. Encountering God’s love can change lives; Real faith is action, generosity, and justice.

3. God sees us all; God’s love is intimate and personal.

4. God’s grace is transformational; Acceptance and forgiveness inspire change.

5. The mission for us all as Christians is to find the lost, lonely, and suffering who have lost their way, to forgive them, and bring them home to Christ.

Be good to one another. God’s grace allows us to do great things. Be a person of integrity and lead with character.

“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” ― Frederick Douglass (Nownes, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “To see Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus's conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, 'Come down quickly.' Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merley in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 127) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 19:1-10 invites us to imagine Zacchaeus’ amazement as he scrambles down from that tree to receive Jesus “with joy” (Luke 19:6). He takes no thought of his readiness; he just wants to welcome the Lord. Instead of hiding or delaying Jesus’ visit, he allows the Lord to love him as he is: a sinner in need of mercy. Through that encounter with divine love, Zaccheaus’ heart is changed—and that interior change will transform the way he lives. 

So how can you receive Jesus with joy today instead of holding back in fear at what he might uncover? Remember that as he did with Zaccheaus, Jesus sees past your sins. He loves you and longs to dwell with you. So welcome him. Let him cleanse and heal your heart. Let his love change you from the inside out. The reward will be priceless: union with the Son of God!

“Jesus, help me to welcome you into my heart with joy.”(Meditation on Luke 19:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that 2 Maccabees presents persecution against Jewish people by the Seleucid Empire as an example. Eleazar refuses the pretence of eating pork as the young people will be scandalized. Perhaps being a model of courage and virtue is the key to our golden years as an example of goodness and kindness. Tax collection for the Romans was by agents who had no incentive for honesty and Zaccheaus was taking a risk of injury as a hated agent. Jesus declares Zaccheaus a child of Israel to whom salvation has come.  This is a realized eschatology where we are experiencing salvation now and there is more to come in Heaven. Friar Jude notes Jesus reaches out to Zaccheaus, an anawim, to whom He gives love for healing.

Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces Jeff Cavins who joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also explain the differences between Acts, the epistles, and the book of Revelation.

Brian McLaren has identified sixteen biases that prevent us from seeing things in their complexity and with greater clarity:

Confirmation Bias: … our belief system excludes whatever doesn’t fit. 

Complexity Bias: prefers a simple falsehood to a complex truth. 

Community Bias: don’t see what our community doesn’t, can’t, or won’t see. 

Complementarity Bias: If you are hostile… I’ll be hostile to your ideas. 

Competency Bias:  Incompetent people assume that most are incompetent.

Consciousness Bias: Some things simply can’t be seen from where I am right now. 

Comfort or Complacency Bias: I prefer not to have my comfort disturbed. 

Conservative/Liberal Bias: I lean toward an expression of my political identity. 

Confidence Bias: I often prefer the bold lie to the hesitant truth. 

Catastrophe Bias: I remember dramatic catastrophes but don’t notice gradual decline.

Contact Bias:  I don’t have intense and sustained personal contact with “the other”.

Cash Bias:  My way of making a living requires me not to see it. 

Conspiracy Bias: Our brains are attracted to stories that portray us as innocent victims.

Constancy/Baseline Bias: Our baselines may be reset when a new normal becomes our constant experience.

Certainty/Closure Bias: reaches for premature closure on an unwarranted certainty.

Cleverness Bias: Our brains are vigilant to protect us against deceptions, insulate ourselves from positive possibilities. (McLaren, n.d.)

We ask the help of the Spirit to help us resist prejudice and judgement in our encounters with people for whom we have a biased understanding.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?1 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Biases at Work Within All of Us. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/biases-at-work-within-all-of-us/ 

Meditation on Luke 19:1-10. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/18/1431372/ 

Nownes, D. (2025, November 18). Daily Reflection November 18, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-18-2025 

Psalms, PSALM 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/3?2 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zacchaeus Received Jesus Joyfully. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/6?18