Proper 28: Gospel, Matthew 25:14-30                           

Matthew 25:14-30

Coming as we are to the close of the church year the focus has been on the last things. The ultimate things. And it’s clear that the canvas painted by the words of the New Testament on this issue point to one uncomfortable truth. Not everyone gets it. What do I mean? Well in a huge oversimplification: God is the Word! God “speaks” His Word. Some take heed, by His grace. And some reject it, desiring their own “spin” on a life well-lived. 

In our gospel reading for this second-to-last weekend in the year we have the parable of the talents. And the emphasis we read about places the faithful servants in the limelight turning their master’s investments into 100% returns. The unfaithful servant in the meantime, well, let’s just say, doesn’t keep up with the others. But the real issue with the “lazy” servant is this: he completely mischaracterizes his master. The others do the right thing because they know their master and they realize His gifts are what give them the ability TO DO what he desires. So with us and our Master.

The investment of the master in the story is his business. The role of the servants is also his business and they have only to do what is expected. Faithfulness begins not with the financial endeavor, but in trusting the one who has entrusted treasure to them. So with us and our Master. And that Master has already given His all to us, His unworthy servants. Our fruitfulness is grounded in His great love given without limit. Lord, our fruitfulness is due only to You. Amen!