Nov 19: Use It or Lose It

When I hear the Gospel reading for this Sunday, I wonder what that third servant was doing all that time, after he buried the talent he was given. Probably nothing. What strikes me is that the word for money in this reading is “talent,” which in our language is an ability or skill. So maybe this parable can remind us to use our abilities and not let them go to waste.

It is sad to see someone who is not very good at his job just because he never developed his inborn talents. But if you know what gifts or abilities God gave you, you can develop them to be much more than you expected. A person might be strong and fast, but if she exercises and practices, she could be a great athlete. The same with a spiritual gift. Just having one doesn’t make you a saint. So how do you know what gifts you have?

First, ask God in your prayers to show you what gifts you have been given. Find a spiritual director, or even your parish priest, and talk about your life, your strengths and weaknesses. Read about saints and how they used their gifts to serve the Lord. Read the scriptures, especially the Acts of the Apostles or the Letters of Paul (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12:1–11). Listen humbly to friends or loved ones who can tell you what strengths they see in you.

Second, look for ways to use your gifts. Check the parish bulletin or website or your diocesan newspaper for activities and organizations that you could take part in. Hospitals, schools, shelters, and nursing homes frequently offer opportunities for volunteers. If one kind of service seems attractive to you, that could be God’s way of telling you to try it. On the other hand, a job that seems very challenging could be what you need to stretch your spiritual muscles. Or you may see a need for some service that you can get started in the parish or community.

Just remember that you are called to service by your baptism and confirmation. Don’t bury that calling by procrastinating or being afraid to try. Remember the “useless servant” with the one talent who was fearful and lazy  (Matthew 25:25–26). At least he can remind us to use it or lose it.

Tom Schmidt