THE PARABLE OF TALENTS

THE PARABLE OF TALENTS

By Fr. Felix (African Times Guest Writer)

The Holy Gospel from the book of New

Testament in Luke 19 : 11: -28, the parable is

obviously developed out of the same material

as Matthew’s parable of the talents.

The chief differences are that Luke uses a

much smaller sum of money, minas instead of

talents, a more realistic figure, for Matthew’s

talents are an enormous figure.

Luke also introduces the complication of the

nobleman who unsuccessfully sues for

kingship.

This is obviously Archelaus, eldest son of King

Herod, and ruler of Judaea. He was denied the

title of ‘king’ by Rome and eventually deposed

for incompetence. But the intrusion is puzzling

because it does not seem to contribute

anything to the lesson of the parable.

The sense of the parable for Luke must be read

off from the introductory sentence, that they

were not to think that the Kingdom would come

immediately.

It is therefore still a part of the instructions for

apostles in their work of spreading the Good

News of the coming of the Kingdom: they must

persevere because they will be judged and

rewarded on the basis of their zeal and their

efforts.

The fact that the wicked servant’s money is

given to the most successful therefore seems

to be a promise of special reward for special

zeal in the apostolate.

The Gospel of The Lord teaches us to be alert

at all times as we wait for his the messiah’s

return.

And constantly pray so that he may fill us with

love to know Him so as to love Him above all.