We are Entrusted with Gifts and Called to Love
What would you do if someone entrusted you with a treasure? This weekend, in the Gospel’s parable of the talents, a master leaves his wealth in the care of three servants before departing on a journey. A talent was no small gift: it represented many years of work. So, whether a servant received five talents, two, or one, each was entrusted with something very valuable. The story invites us to consider not only what we have received, but also how we respond to the trust placed in us.
Two servants put their gifts to work and increase their master’s wealth. The third allows fear to guide his choices and buries what he has received. The contrast challenges us. Faithfulness to God is more than keeping a gift safe; it means offering ourselves courageously in His service. We may fear failure, feel inadequate, or wonder whether our contribution matters. Yet the invitation is not to compare ourselves with others. It is to use what God has entrusted to us rather than leave it untouched.
God has blessed each of us with many valuable gifts, both physical and spiritual. Our abilities, time, resources, and relationships offer opportunities to share His love. Some gifts are easy to recognize; others appear in quiet, ordinary moments. Praying for someone or listening patiently, caring for a family member, encouraging someone who feels forgotten, or offering help without being asked can become acts of faithful stewardship. We do not need to wait for an extraordinary opportunity. The people nearest to us often reveal where our service can begin.
When we share our gifts, we can also learn to recognize the gifts of others. Together, we build up the Body of Christ. A kind word can inspire another act of kindness. A generous response can encourage someone else to give. An expression of forgiveness can open a path toward renewed love. In these ways, God’s love flows through us and reaches beyond us. What begins as a small offering can ripple outward through families, friendships, our parish, and the wider world.
This Sunday, as we receive the Eucharist, ask the God for the grace to choose faith over fear. Being a disciple of Jesus does not mean sitting idle while time passes. It means living with hope and placing our gifts at His service today. We can prayerfully bring Him our hesitation and fear, trusting that we do not serve by our own strength. God will nourish with his grace, enabling us to take the next faithful step, even when we cannot see its full outcome.
Take some time to name the treasures God has entrusted to you. Does a relationship need your attention? Is there someone who might benefit from your encouragement, patience, or practical help?
If we prayerfully put gratitude into action, and let action become a habit of generosity, then we begin to live as children of God.
God bless you all.
Deacon Michael Braun