The Parable Of The Talents
Fr John Meyer reflects on the parable of the talents, initially using the story of the barren fig tree to illustrate the danger of appearing fruitful externally while being spiritually empty, likening this to self-righteousness and harsh judgment of others. Moving into the parable of the talents, the reflection emphasizes that God entrusts each person with gifts suited to their ability, expecting them to bear fruit rather than burying their potential out of fear or mistrust. This leads into themes of suffering, mercy, and the mystery of God’s solidarity with humanity through Christ, noting that divine mercy becomes tangible in the Incarnation. The meditation draws on literature such as Milton’s Paradise Lost and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to explore obedience, disobedience, and the relationship between happiness and virtue, underscoring that true joy comes from loving and knowing the Creator. Humor, humility, and the ability to laugh at oneself are presented as overlooked yet profound gifts. Finally, the reflection ties the talents back to grace as the foundation of relationship with God, a source of peace even in suffering, dying, or imprisonment, where love and forgiveness become the ultimate fruits of a life lived with God.