MARY, OUR MOTHER

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #460

"For even as a man going into a far country called his servants and delivered to them his goods; And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. And he that had received the five talents went his way and traded with the same and gained other five. And in like manner he that had received the two gained other two. But he that had received the one, going his way, digged into the earth and hid his lord's money. But after a long time the lord of those servants came and reckoned with them. And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: 'Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents. Behold I have gained other five over and above.' His lord said to him: 'Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.' And he also that had received the two talents came and said: 'Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me. Behold I have gained other two.' His lord said to him: 'Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.' " (Matt. 25: 14-23)


ALMIGHTY GOD DISTRIBUTES HIS GIFTS (for they are His, and we are only His stewards) in different measure, as He pleases. He does not, therefore, require an equal return from all, but only a good will and strenuous effort to serve Him and advance His glory. "Unto whom much is given, of him (when our Lord comes to judge) much shall be required" (Luke 12:46); and it follows that of him who has received less, less will be required, though he who by trading with two talents gained the other two, received the same signs of approbation as did he who had gained five more with the five entrusted to him. Both made a good use of their gifts, and by corresponding with grace and performing good works merited an increase of grace. The reward given to the faithful servant of God is so exceeding great, that in comparison with it even the five talents appear as "few." The just man will receive a "good measure (of reward) pressed down and shaken together" (Luke 6:38), and will have a share in the eternal joy and majesty of our Lord Jesus, whom he served faithfully on earth.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)