Wednesday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Gospel Luke 19:11-28
Next came the other and said, “Sir, here is your pound. I put it away safely in a piece of linen because I was afraid of you; for you are an exacting man: you pick up what you have not put down and reap what you have not sown.” This passage from the Gospel of Luke, often referred to as the Parable of the Ten Minas, provides a profound reflection on the use of the gifts and talents entrusted to us by God. The servant in the story who hides his mina does so out of fear, driven by a misunderstanding of his master’s character. He perceives the master as harsh and demanding, which leads him to act out of self-protection rather than faithful stewardship. Our perception of God deeply influences how we live out our faith and use our gifts. If we view God as distant, exacting, or unforgiving, we might hesitate to take risks, step into our purpose, or even cultivate the talents we’ve been given. This leads to a kind of spiritual stagnation—burying our potential instead of allowing it to grow and bear fruit. However, the parable challenges this view by showing that God, as the master, entrusts His servants with resources not to punish them but to see them flourish and multiply their gifts. A true understanding of God’s character—a loving, generous, and just God—should inspire confidence and action. When we act in faith, even small efforts can yield significant results. In essence, this parable encourages self-reflection on our beliefs about God and how those beliefs shape our actions. It invites us to trust in God’s goodness, use our talents boldly, and align ourselves with His purpose. By doing so, we not only honor the giver of the gifts but also contribute to the growth of His kingdom. Let’s reflect: How does my perception of God influence the way I use my gifts and approach the opportunities entrusted to me?
Don Giorgio