November 19: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The talent we hear of in the Gospel today (Matthew 25:14-30) is not aptitude or ability; it is money. When this story was told one “talent” was the equivalent of the earnings of an ordinary laborer for 17 years.

We are challenged by this gospel to look at what we do with money. Do we invest in the well-being and education of not only our own children but society’s children? Do we invest in our home and health so our families are safe AND at the same time, do we willingly invest in what is needed by people who are elderly, disabled or work several jobs but cannot make enough money to cover basic necessities?

After our adult son suffered a permanent brain injury, I knew I would invest in his children’s college education. A lawyer loudly told me of her “worthless nephews” and strongly advised me not to “throw away money on your grandchildren.” Never saw that lawyer again.

Our grandchildren’s college experiences have been rich with learning and preparation for life; they each worked while in college; one held 3 jobs, concurrently, as did her dad years ago. They love what they do; the youngest is a junior at Geneseo where all her MCC courses were accepted. Yup, I am so proud of them I could burst.

The Gospel asks us: How industrious, reliable and trustworthy are we with our money? How can we best invest in family and community?