Memorial of St. Monica
Today’s parable from the Gospel speaks of burying talents. A talent was a sum of money in Jesus’ time. This story is familiar to most of us. Two of the three servants multiply their talents, and the last servant buries his talent. Then he returns it to the master upon his return. The master responds with harsh criticism and takes the one talent away from him. He then gives the talent to the one with many and punishes the servant.
One of the many lessons we can glean from this parable is that the servants were expected to make use of their gift. The master gave each one a sum of money which they were expected to use well. St. Monica did this well in her life. She led her family in a life of faith. Her husband Patricius was not a practicing Catholic and was unfaithful. Her son Augustine did not live the faith either. Monica led her family back to God through patience and prayer. She had the personal humility and strong will for the good to lead in her family when no one else would. God worked through her gifts to bring great spiritual fruit for the Church. Following her example, we can have personal humility and strong will for the common good so that our gifts and talents will not be buried; they will be doubled and multiplied for the glory of God. Amen.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections