In our Epistle we were instructed that the Lord will come “like a thief in the night.” Truly the liturgical year is coming to its conclusion. Next week we will celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King and thus bringing about its conclusion. We will then enter into the season of Advent thus beginning a new year as we set our sight upon the birth of Christ. As this year reaches its conclusion we are reminded that in time death will come for us and therefore we must be prepared to encounter it.
If we are to be found ready for our encounter with death we must set our sight upon Heaven and do everything which we can in order to get there. Thus in our Gospel we encounter this man who was to set out upon a journey who entrusted others with talents which is a form of currency. Each of them was given a different allotment of money, but each were called to do something with the gift that had been given to them.
We are the servants found within this parable. The talents given by the master are our many qualities which God has bestowed upon us. The return of the master reminds us of the words of Saint Paul that the Lord will come “like a thief in the night” thus bringing about our death. There will come a time when we must settle with the master what we have done with our talents at the time of the judgement. Finally, we must realize that we should live a life which is oriented towards the banquet for this is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Therefore we must ask ourself what we do with the many gifts that God has allotted unto us. Do we use them to glorify His Most Holy Name or to tear it down? Do we use them to lead to souls to Heaven or to distract them from this destination?
Our gifts have a lot more to do then simply referring to money. This also includes our time and talents and asking how we can give these back. This also refers to our body and senses and thus how we use these to properly glorify God. Let us not live under the illusion that we are under possession of these talents, but rather may we come to realize that these are gifts that God has given unto us. Gifts that He has given unto us in order that we may live freely instead of being enslaved to our passions.
As we come to the conclusion of the liturgical year may we heed the teaching which lies behind this Gospel. May we thus enter into the Sacramental life of the Church and come to know Christ for ourself. Such a relationship will prepare us for the Lord who come “like a thief in the night” and at the moment we will be called to judgement. Let us thus strive for the banquet which is the Kingdom of Heaven.
