Proverbs 31: Matthew 25:14-30
Chapter 31 of the Book of Proverbs is the last and is an acrostic poem centered on the wisdom of the ideal woman. While there are twenty-two stanzas that detail such idealism, among other things, the ideal woman uses what she has, proficiently and efficiently, and is delighted to do so. In other words, she uses both the supplies and materials at hand, as well as her own skills and talents, to provide for others, mainly her family.
To Jesus’ parable of the talents and the servants… We do not know if the servants proved themselves worthy of the opportunity to invest the landlord’s talents, but nonetheless, the landlord took a risk in trusting his money to them. We are told by the third servant he is greedy and demanding, however, he does not take away the servants’ existing or earned money. The landlord instead provides them each with the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of greater trust and responsibility: ultimately sharing his joy in their success with them.
Jesus tells this parable after He and the disciples have journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover; immediately before the Passion. While we consider our life an odyssey to the Eternal Wedding Banquet, it is first a pilgrimage to the Cross and one we travel with others.
It is safe to say, the Lord gives gifts to the one to benefit the all. He bestows specific gifts and talents intentionally; they are sufficient and significant regardless of proficiency. In other words, we might not think we are the best at something, but our talent will be enough for the Lord to use to fulfill His intentions. Like the wise woman in Proverbs, we are to apply our gifts and talents, insights and knowledge. We are to use them to connect others to Jesus’ Passion, to help us overcome the personal crosses we bear, and to benefit and build His Kingdom on earth.
In this day and age, we know about the living situations of others around the world, the disparity between opportunities afforded to some but not most, and the Church’s social teachings. Therefore, for the sake of others, discovering our gifts, developing them to the fullest extent possible, and using them as often as opportunity presents itself is an urgent imperative. While we must notice and thank God always for these opportunities and the gifts themselves, should we not use them to inspire, create and encourage similar opportunities for others as they pilgrimage with us to Cross and Kingdom?
Journal Questions:
- How might I use my gifts and talents differently if I considered my life a pilgrimage to the Passion?
- What opportunities have I been given to discover and develop my gifts and talents?
- Keeping in mind we pilgrimage together to Cross and Kingdom, how do I employ them to inspire, create and encourage similar opportunities for others?
Writing to Pray 