Sharing Talents

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess the extent to which we use our God-given talents to nourish our environment with charity, patience, thanksgiving and humility.

Building Community

The Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians celebrates Mutual Charity.

In Psalm 98 we are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world.

* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents The Parable of the Talents.

* [25:14–30] Cf. Lk 19:12–27.

* [25:14] It will be as when…journey: literally, “For just as a man who was going on a journey.” Although the comparison is not completed, the sense is clear; the kingdom of heaven is like the situation here described. Faithful use of one’s gifts will lead to participation in the fullness of the kingdom, lazy inactivity to exclusion from it.

* [25:15] Talents: see note on Mt 18:24.

* [25:18] Buried his master’s money: see note on Mt 13:44.

* [25:20–23] Although the first two servants have received and doubled large sums, their faithful trading is regarded by the master as fidelity in small matters only, compared with the great responsibilities now to be given to them. The latter are unspecified. Share your master’s joy: probably the joy of the banquet of the kingdom; cf. Mt 8:11.

* [25:26–28] Wicked, lazy servant: this man’s inactivity is not negligible but seriously culpable. As punishment, he loses the gift he had received, that is now given to the first servant, whose possessions are already great.

* [25:29] See note on Mt 13:12 where there is a similar application of this maxim.

* [25:30] See note on Mt 8:11–12. (Matthew, CHAPTER 25 | USCCB, n.d.)

A Member of the Creighton University Community is led to some prayers of St. Teresa of Avila, while reflecting on today’s readings. St. Teresa wrote, “God has no hands but ours!”

 

A prayer of St. Teresa of Avila:

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things,
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

May you live a tranquil life!
May God bless the work of your hands. (Daily Reflection August 30, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Eternal Joys”, by Gregory the Great (540-604 AD).

"All the good deeds of our present life, however many they may appear to be, are few in comparison with our eternal recompense. The faithful servant is put in charge of many things after overcoming all the troubles brought him by perishable things. He glories in the eternal joys of his heavenly dwelling. He is brought completely into the joy of his master when he is taken into his eternal home and joined to the company of angels. His inner joy at his gift is such that there is no longer any external perishable thing that can cause him sorrow." (excerpt from FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 9.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 25:14-30 comments that Jesus’ lesson is clear: he wants us to be generous with whatever blessings he has given us. He wants us to keep our hearts open for the promptings of the Spirit so that we can give those blessings away.

So don’t bury your gifts; make sure they keep flowing out to other people! Even if you don’t think you have much to offer, you might be surprised by how “rich” you really are—and by all the opportunities you’ll find to share your gifts:

• A chance to encourage an anxious friend.

• A chance to forgive a harsh word.

• A chance to welcome an outsider.

• A chance to give an unexpected gift.

• A chance to share the good news.

• A chance to pray with a neighbor.

• And many, many more.

Never underestimate the effect of any act of love offered in Christ. Every drop of rain makes a river more powerful, just as every invested “talent” produces a high yield for the kingdom of God.

“Lord, may your blessings always flow through me!” (Meditation on Matthew 25:14-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Paul continues to exhort us to live in charity, tranquillity and work with our hands. This is contrary to those in Paul’s community who responded to the imminent coming of Jesus by not working. Conversion needs the witness of a good lifestyle. The “talent” in Matthew’s Gospel was a measure of precious metal, an incredible fortune. The one talent is buried in fear of punishment by the Master.  We have to use our gifts in trust to build up the community. Friar Jude reminds us that the conclusion that those with much will be richer and those with little will lose it is reference to our faith. 

Fr. Richard Rohr introduces University chaplain Lynn Cooper who offers suggestions for how we might develop the tools to engage in interfaith friendships. 

Inhabiting the ethic of active listening and practicing self-emptying, we bring mindfulness and intentionality to this work. With this foundation, we can be fully present with others, engaging genuine curiosity and beginner’s mind. Remember that this way of being in the world often leads to a reconfiguring of self. Being open to revelation and conversion requires humility—a sense of deep knowing that we are God’s and God’s work is ongoing.   (Rohr, 2025)

We reflect on the talents we have been entrusted to use to bring the blessings of our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader to the community in which we encourage people to live fully as children of God.

References

Daily Reflection August 30, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. (2025, August 30). Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved August 30, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-30-2025 

Matthew, CHAPTER 25 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25?14 

Meditation on Matthew 25:14-30. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved August 30, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/08/30/1365572/ 

Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 30, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1 

Rohr, R. (2025, August 29). Can Christians Be Makers of Peace? — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC.org. Retrieved August 30, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/can-christians-be-makers-of-peace/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Master Will Settle His Account with Them. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 30, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=aug30 

Reversal and Responsibility

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our true talent and calling that will be in harmony with the will of God to bring truth, beauty, and goodness to our environment.

Talent and Responsibility

The reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians describes the paradox in the relationship of the Corinthians and Paul.

* [1:26–2:5] The pattern of God’s wisdom and power is exemplified in their own experience, if they interpret it rightly (1 Cor 1:26–31), and can also be read in their experience of Paul as he first appeared among them preaching the gospel (1 Cor 2:1–5).

* [1:29–31] “Boasting (about oneself)” is a Pauline expression for the radical sin, the claim to autonomy on the part of a creature, the illusion that we live and are saved by our own resources. “Boasting in the Lord” (1 Cor 1:31), on the other hand, is the acknowledgment that we live only from God and for God. (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 33 praises the Greatness and Goodness of God.

* [Psalm 33] A hymn in which the just are invited (Ps 33:1–3) to praise God, who by a mere word (Ps 33:4–5) created the three-tiered universe of the heavens, the cosmic waters, and the earth (Ps 33:6–9). Human words, in contrast, effect nothing (Ps 33:10–11). The greatness of human beings consists in God’s choosing them as a special people and their faithful response (Ps 33:12–22). (Psalms, PSALM 33 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents the Parable of the Talents.

* [25:14–30] Cf. Lk 19:12–27.

* [25:14] It will be as when…journey: literally, “For just as a man who was going on a journey.” Although the comparison is not completed, the sense is clear; the kingdom of heaven is like the situation here described. Faithful use of one’s gifts will lead to participation in the fullness of the kingdom, lazy inactivity to exclusion from it.

* [25:15] Talents: see note on Mt 18:24.

* [25:18] Buried his master’s money: see note on Mt 13:44.

* [25:20–23] Although the first two servants have received and doubled large sums, their faithful trading is regarded by the master as fidelity in small matters only, compared with the great responsibilities now to be given to them. The latter are unspecified. Share your master’s joy: probably the joy of the banquet of the kingdom; cf. Mt 8:11.

* [25:26–28] Wicked, lazy servant: this man’s inactivity is not negligible but seriously culpable. As punishment, he loses the gift he had received, that is now given to the first servant, whose possessions are already great.

* [25:29] See note on Mt 13:12 where there is a similar application of this maxim.

* [25:30] See note on Mt 8:11–12. (Matthew, CHAPTER 25 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mardell Wilson comments that God chose us, not because of our merits, but because of His grace. He chose us, not to make us proud, but to make us humble. He chose us, not to exalt ourselves, but to exalt Him. He chose us, not to be wise in our own eyes, but to be wise in His sight. He chose us, not to be righteous, sanctified, and redeemed by our own efforts, but by His work in us.

God chose me, not to boast in myself or the number of words in my Christmas program part, but to boast in the Lord.  I want to boast only in the Lord, who has given me everything I need in Christ Jesus, who is my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Lord, thank you for choosing us by your grace, not by our achievements. Help us to resist the temptation to compare ourselves with others or to seek the approval of the world. Remind us that you love us and care for us, not because of what we can do, but because of who we are in Christ. Teach us to be humble and grateful for all that you have done for us. Let us boast only in you, Lord. Amen. (Wilson, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Eternal Joys,” by Gregory the Great (540-604 AD).

"All the good deeds of our present life, however many they may appear to be, are few in comparison with our eternal recompense. The faithful servant is put in charge of many things after overcoming all the troubles brought him by perishable things. He glories in the eternal joys of his heavenly dwelling. He is brought completely into the joy of his master when he is taken into his eternal home and joined to the company of angels. His inner joy at his gift is such that there is no longer any external perishable thing that can cause him sorrow." (excerpt from FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 9.2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 reminds us that so often we assume God works only through the most impressive or gifted people. We want to be the strongest, the richest, the smartest. But in today’s first reading, St. Paul reminds us that God delights in using people who are lowly or forgotten: “God chose the weak . . . to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

This is the good news of the gospel! No matter how you feel or what others may say about you, God can work through you. In fact, he works most powerfully in your weakness as you rely on his grace and power. He can use your story, your gifts, and even your shortcomings to bless other people and help them grow.

Where do you feel weak today? Don’t let that keep you from saying yes to the Lord. Ask for his help, and open your mouth to tell of his goodness!

“Lord, I trust in you even when I feel weak. Help me to share your love today!” (Meditation on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts of today.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Cole Arthur Riley who offers a prayer for those who have left spiritual spaces of certainty.

God of wisdom, 

It’s hard to know what to say to a God claimed by those who have wounded us. Can we trust you? We have known what it is to exist in spiritual spaces that are more interested in controlling us than loving us. To have the room turn against us when our beliefs diverge from the group’s. We thank you for giving us an interior compass, an intuition that no longer trusts spirituality that feels like captivity. Free us from those spaces. But as we depart, keep us from relinquishing our own connection to the divine. Help us to approach you slowly in the safety of our own interior worlds before granting another spiritual space access to us. And when we’re ready, guide us into new and safe communities—communities capable of holding our deepest doubts, our beliefs, the fullness of uncertainty, without being threatened. May we approach shrewdly and carefully, for our own protection, as we search for spaces that honor the whole of us. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek guidance of the Spirit as we navigate the paradox of talent and reversal of fortune through which we experience fullness of life on the path as followers of Christ.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 25 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/25? 

Meditation on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/08/31/1063767/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/1? 

Psalms, PSALM 33 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/33?12 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Order, Disorder, Reorder: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/order-disorder-reorder-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Master Will Settle His Account with Them. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=aug31 

Wilson, M. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/083124.html