When we work hard and manage to accomplish what we have set out to do there is great joy when we receive praise like: ” Well done!” It is human to want affirmation. Likewise, when we have not been successful, we hope the effort counts for something- at the very least we may learn from it. In the parable Jesus gives us today, sometimes called the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30) Jesus teaches us to fully use the gifts that we have been given. He does praise both great success and effort. What he does not value is “making no effort”.

“Talents” in this parable means money given to a man’s servants when he went away and entrusted them with his property. Each of three servants is given talents to care for according to his abilities. The first two invest the talents and double the money for the Master who entrusted them. But the third one buries his one talent in fear of the master’s wrath should he lose it, and is admonished by the master when he returns. The first hear the words we all long to hear: “Well done, you good and faithful servant”. They are told that because of their actions they will be put in charge of many things. But the third has the talent taken from him and additionally will be punished severely and eternally for not using it. He is called a “wicked and lazy servant”. I have often felt badly for this man. He didn’t squander or lose what he was given, but he didn’t do anything with it. There were no points for not squandering it, or not misusing it. He was to use it or lose it. The master in this parable is not Jesus, despite the fact I heard a priest say it was Jesus this morning. The master is a mean and dishonest, unscrupulous boss. Very human indeed. He wants money made on his investments and punishes if it is not made. Jesus is using this example to make a point. The point is well beyond any material things we have been entrusted with. if we broaden being entrusted with material goods to mean the gifts we have been given to serve our loving God and one another we may understand better why it is serious,and a profound loss, not to use our gifts.

What are the various types of gifts we each have? Indeed, they are different for each of us, and unique to who we are. Think of your friends and family members,. What are their varied gifts? And, what defines them and makes them unique. What is it that each one can uniquely do or be? And what would it be like if they ignored the very gifts they were given to be themselves and to be useful and caring in this world? And also think of yourself. What have you been given? And, yes, what have you done with it?

I think of my Grandmother. She had a gift of making everyone laugh. this was wonderful in a life that was sometimes hard with economic and other problems that seemed insurmountable. Better still, she had the gift of finding the good in everyone without minimizing the problems they clearly struggled with. And she had an unshakeable faith in our loving God. She prayed often and Jesus was her best friend. She had the gift of teaching this abiding faith along with so many other things. Family, friends and neighbors sought her out for her special depth and wisdom. This dear woman living often in poverty with only an eighth grade education was the wisest person I will ever know- and the most giving person. Indeed, she often gave the proverbial shirt off her back to anyone who needed it. She used her talents well and while she was not rich in material goods, she was easily the richest person I have ever known.

My Mother too was such a special person. She was both brilliant and beautiful. She achieved academically and could hold important jobs when she was well. She struggled with mental illness in a day that medications did nothing to alleviate thinking that went awry and feelings that were not easy to manage. But her gift was seeing the beauty in the world. She was a gifted artist and she saw art in nature, and in animals and in flowers, especially. She saw it in people others dismissed. She was trotally charitable to others in her thoughts. She painted beautiful large paintings of flowers and the scenes around her, especially the sea and trees and nature. Her great joy was exhibiting her work at the Washington Square Art Show each year. And she was also a completely loyal person, especially to her daughter. I was blessed with her constant support.

And I think now of the gift of joy and smiles and acceptance on my love’s face that means so much to everyone around her, especially to me. I think of the wise counsel of another friend and the gift of listening and always being there for me of another. I think of the gift of asking good questions that a few of my friends have had, questions that make you think and clarify your thoughts. I remember Pastor Mel Williams who asked probing questions ensconced in love. And Pastor Dave Ver Nooy whose genuine warmth and compassion opened the doors cross culturally and softened many hard hearts. I think of friends who make art, and music and poetry to open the soul. I think of the gift of caring of another friend who calls just to see how her friends are doing. I think of another friend who makes sure I have all needed groceries in. And I think of an old friend, a dear man who makes sure all that is practical in living is done well. His ability to be a good friend extends this gift to all he knows.

There are so many wonderful gifts in life. I have not even begun to touch them here. You must name them for yourself. And Jesus wants us to own our gifts and use them toward building the kingdom of God on this earth. The opposite is to live only or mainly for ones’ self and indeed, that which was not used seems to be lost in self-absorbed people. Yet it is never too late. We can take stock of our gifts and use them well. And we can give thanks for the gifts of others that enrich our lives.

I am so thankful for the gifts of those around me and those before and now in my life. I am thankful for my gifts. And here I am thankful for and trying to use the gift of writing that lets me say what cannot so easily be said. Hopefully, it can touch someone or lift someone up. Or even just inspire a few thoughts, or thankfulness. Thanksgiving is every day. Yet on Thanksgiving Thursday we are reminded every year how good it is to give thanks, thanks to God, for God’s unending love, for Jesus, for the Gospel and the Holy Scriptures, for the many gifts we are given and thanks to one another.

As we approach the day of Thanksgiving let us take the time to appreciate the gifts of others all around us, and to cultivate and use the gifts deep within us.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all! I am truly thankful for you!

Love and blessings,

Pastor Judy Lee, RCWP

Good Shepherd Ministries, Fort Myers, Florida

11/19/2023