This parable is presented in two different ways in the Gospel of St. Mathew and the Gospel of St. Luke. But the message in both is the same. Both the parables show our responsibilities even when our abilities differ.

The man who received five talents made five talents more. The man who had two talents earned two more. But the man who was given one talent hid it in the ground. When the Master came they returned the talents. Then the Master told the first two servants, "Good and faithful servant, … enter into the joy of thy master". But he scolded the third servant saying "You wicked and slothful servant…." Then the master told that he would be cast out into the outer darkness.

In the other parable, the man who received one pound traded with it and got ten more pounds. Another man came to the nobleman and reported that he had earned another five pounds. But another servant came only with one pound which he had received. He did not trade with it.

The nobleman took that one pound from him and gave it to the man who had earned ten more pounds.

God had given talents to each one of us. We have to use them properly. Otherwise we will be punished. We will get punishment not only for our sins and transgression but also for not doing what we are expected to do. This is the lesson we have to learn from this parable. Our life is a trust given by God and we are stewards of it. We have to use profitably the talents and the opportunities given to us by God. We must use our talents properly not only for ourselves but for the benefit for our family, our parish, our church and the society at large to the utmost.

Memorization: (James 4:17)
"Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin".

Questions:

1. What is the lesson we learn from the parable of the talents?
2. How should we use our talents?