Parable of the Three Servants, or, The Talents
JESUS MAFA, 1973

Dear friends,

Today, I would like to reflect on the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, a story that teaches us the importance of using our talents wisely and to the fullest. This story is an invitation for us to reflect on how we use the gifts that we have been given, and to consider the consequences of our choices.

In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of talents, according to their abilities (a talent was worth more than 15 years' wages for a laborer). The first two servants invest their talents and are rewarded with even greater talents upon the master's return. The third servant, however, buries his talent out of fear and is punished for his lack of initiative.

At first glance, this story may seem to be solely about financial investment, but I believe that it has a deeper spiritual meaning. The talents that the master entrusts to his servants are not just money or possessions; they represent the unique abilities and opportunities that each of us has been given by the divine.

In the Buddhist tradition, it is believed that every being has Buddha nature, the potential for enlightenment and the capacity for limitless compassion and wisdom. This means that each of us has unique talents and abilities that we can use to benefit others and contribute to the world.

But like the third servant in the parable, we may sometimes feel afraid or insecure about using our talents. We may be afraid of failure, criticism, or rejection. We may also feel that our talents are not significant enough to make a difference in the world.

However, this parable reminds us that hiding our talents out of fear or insecurity is not the way to live a fulfilling life. It is important to use our talents and opportunities to their fullest, to take risks, and to try new things. Even if we fail, we will learn from our mistakes and grow in wisdom and compassion.

Moreover, the story emphasizes the importance of using our talents for the benefit of others. The first two servants invest their talents and create more wealth, not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of their master, as well as the benefit of those in whom they invest. Similarly, we should use our talents to serve others, to alleviate suffering, and to promote peace and harmony in the world.

The parable of the talents teaches us to embrace our unique abilities and opportunities, to overcome our fears and insecurities, and to use our talents for the benefit of others. As we do so, we will not only create more abundance and joy in our own lives, but we will also contribute to the well-being and happiness of all beings.

May we all use our talents wisely and with compassion, and may we work together to create a world of peace and harmony for all.