Wealth

Today’s Gospel Text:  "For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. 17 So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.' Matt 25:14-30

Reflection: “It is my hard earned money” This is normally the term often heard and in various ways it is expressed, all meaning the same.

Surely, there are some who work hard for their bread and butter and to keep enough for a better future for themselves and for their children’s or for their luxury.

In the world there will always be the haves and the have not’s and among these have-nots there may be some who may have made a choice to deprive themselves either miserly or by their generosity.

Does a man have a right to indiscriminately enjoy the fruit of his hard labor? It is a question which has often found critics and the sincerely rich have found unwanted enemies.

Why should they who have much have a right to live in the luxuries of life and in many a case the much may  have been only inherited wealth? 

Indeed they have labored hard and struggled for it, so as to enjoy the fruit thereof but does it mean that the poor never labor hard and struggle their every bit?

The gospel passage reminds us that God is the giver of all talents and it is he who gives us the ability to make wealth. (cfr. Duet. 8:18)

Though in the gospel passage it especially means the spiritual dimension of the talent which God is bestowing on his servants, to be worked on and bring about an increase yet, this also holds true for all that we possess.

What is it that we have or posses that has not come from the creator above? If we understand the truth herein then it would also be a step towards a humility that pleases God. 

For all that we have, including our body, mind and soul comes from God and so too the ability to make wealth.

Therefore, Man humble yourself before the almighty God and "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17

Remember, your property and talent comes from God and belongs to him and your hard work or labor should be aimed at pleasing him rather than yourselves; for this is the way to perfection.

Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that, all that I posses and have, including the spiritual gifts, comes from you and is to be used for your glory alone.

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