God Given Talents – Luke 19:11-28 Reflection
Jesus provides many stories regarding the use of our God given talents that result in more responsibility. The “Peter principle” is a modern-day explanation of rewarding competent people. Under the “Peter principle” (named after the author, not Saint Peter), more responsibility is given if skills improve. Effectively, people excel in their jobs until the person cannot handle more. As Christians, when we competently recognize and use our gifts, more will be given. Sometimes, we end up with complexities we did not have before, but God believes we can handle them. Unlike the Peter principle, God knows us so well he knows the limit of “what will be given.” We can also desire more as long as it is done with humility. John of the Cross substantiates this by pondering our participation in the book Ascent. “In Him, you will discover even more than you ask for and desire.” However, if our relationship with God slips backward, the ability to use our gifts fades to the background until we are ready.
The Hidden Treasure by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 19:11-28 – Scripture*
The Parable of the Ten Pounds
11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 So he said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. 13 He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back.’ 14 But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.’ 17 He said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 Then the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ 19 He said to him, ‘And you, rule over five cities.’ 20 Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ 24 He said to the bystanders, ‘Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ 25 (And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten pounds!’) 26 ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.’”
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 19:11-28 Reflection – More will be Given.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 19 passage.
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