Lent: Day 4

Jesus went on to tell them a parable: “It is like a man, going into another country, who called his servants, and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five million, to another two million, to another one million, according to their ability. Then he went on his journey. The one who received five million went and traded with it, and made another five million. In the same way, the one who got the two gained another two. But the one who received one million went and dug a hole, and hid his lord’s money.

“After a long time the lord of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them. The first said, ‘Lord, you gave me five million. I have gained five more.’

“His lord said, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

“The second came and said, ‘Lord, you gave me two million. I have gained another two million.’

“His lord said, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

“The one who had received one million came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you were a hard man, reaping where you didn’t sow, and gathering where you didn’t scatter. I was afraid, and hid your talent in the earth. Here is what you gave me.’

“His lord answered, ‘You wicked and lazy servant. You knew I reap where I don’t sow, and gather where I don’t scatter. You ought to have deposited my money with bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.’ Take away the million from him, and give it to the one who has ten million. For to everyone who has will be given more in abundance, but from those who have little, even what they have will be taken away. Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Reflection 

Considering that each talent was worth about $1 million in today’s currency, these servants were entrusted with a lot of money! It is unclear whether the servant with one talent was motivated by fear or dishonesty, but clearly the master was upset by the lack of effort. How do you evaluate what you have done with the life God has given you? Do you expect “Well done, good and faithful servant” to be your reward? 

Prayer: Help me do something, Lord, with the abilities and opportunities you’ve given me.