Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30
Today's Gospel portion reflects two very different visions and understandings of God. The first two men see God, represented in the owner, as one who trusts them and empowers them to go about doing good with the talents provided to them. So, each one to the best of their ability use these talents in order to earn even more for the owner. Their vision of God as loving and trusting propelled them to take risks and expand the resources of the kingdom.
By contrast, the second understanding of God sees him as a vengeful, wrathful God who takes every opportunity to find fault. So, we approach this God in fear, which inhibits our ability to use our talents effectively. Instead of taking risks and working to expand the kingdom, we bury the talents in the ground, keeping it all for ourselves. We give back what we have given without any growth or profit for anyone. Fear stunts growth.
Which vision of God will be our own? We can continue to live in fear - fear of God, fear of others - and continue to stunt our growth, the growth of others, and of the kingdom. Or we can live in love, using those talents to profit ourselves and others, thereby growing the kingdom of God. The way in which we view and approach God is the same one we use in viewing and approaching other people. That view affects the actions we perform and the world in which we live.
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