PARABLE OF THE TALENTS November 15, 2026

This parable reminds us that Our Lord does not expect everyone to produce exactly the same return on God’s gifts, because God never gives exactly the same gifts to any two persons. Moreover, “Talents” are not just to be interpreted as gifts. No two persons are ever put in exactly the same position, or given absolutely identical lives or responsibilities.

     Every human being who has ever lived is unique. This fact is in itself a remarkable tribute to God’s inexhaustible inventiveness. Even identical twins are still two individuals, however much they may share; and it is as individuals that they will be judged—just like all the rest of the human race.

     To have won Our Lord’s approval for the fruit of our life’s work is surely the greatest joy we can look forward to on leaving this life—a joy to be surpassed only by that of the everlasting sight of His glory in the company of all the saints. Hence, after these wonderful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant”, Our Lord will say to those who have done His will these yet more thrilling words: “Enter into the joy of your Lord!” You know how it is that after the Christmas festivities are over in the world at large, and January is still cold and dark, advertisers love to whet our appetites for summer with scenes of hot tropical beaches and blue seas.

     For us, if life seems excessively arduous, and without any real purpose or hope of reward, we need to think about the words Our Lord says to the servants who have produced a good income on their talents: “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord!” May God grant that on the day we leave this life, we all hear those same words addressed to ourselves!

                                                                ~ Fr. Paul Dobson