This is an interesting passage on many levels
Some Scholars reflect upon this passage from Matthew
And Say the Sin of third Worker
Is that he did not use his Talents that he had been given to the fullest extent
And that one of the reasons
This third worker is saying to the owner
In his hurling of hurtful put downs
Is that the owner is one that has been extremely risky yet successful
Use of the gifts..
The third worker and owner in many ways
are opposite ends of the spectrum
when it comes to God’s gifts…
Do I spend and use, or save and protect?
When was the last time you have been like the owner?
And been a bit risky, used you gifts and tried to do something big???
Maybe you are more like the third worker?
You have gotten a gift and held onto, tight, kept it secure??
to many of you, many of us~ Risky is not good
Safe, holding on to the wealth and treasure given to us, is better
And don’t get me too wrong, I am not trying to knock this too much
But I would challenge you to think about what you need to hear
To convince you a moment is right,
correct time to use that which you have been given
How will you know?
Or will you save it for the next time.
~~Story about Grandpa Wright and his Salad Dressing~~
Do you spend and use, or save and protect?
What do you do with a gift once it has been given to you
How are we to make any sense
Of this odd and crazy parable about talents and bags of gold?
What do you with your gift?
And how might it change you faith or the faith of others?
~~Story about the UCC minister and the Taxi cab Driver who met St Peter at the Gates of heaven~~
Sometimes each of us have gifts
Gifts of light that we might never see or understand or ever recognize
But that is a problem of our perception
As God has given the Gift
WE merely need to try and use it in a correct fashion
~~Story of Christmas’ Eve Candle Light~~
The room takes on a spirit that is amazing
Yet this Simple little candle light, spread to others
Is much different as people are welcomed and challenged
To raise there hands
Filling the room with a glow that is worthy of welcoming
The baby Jesus~ Emanuel~ the prince of peace
Friends this is the challenge to each of
Whenever we hear a parable of Jesus
We need to make gift of the parable… Real
We need to make the light given to us by God… Real
We need to use our gift of light
To make the kingdom come
God’s will to be done
On earth as in heaven
So how will you share your light?
Don’t hide it
But raise you hand high
May you have the Courage to make the parables become alive
As you living into the Grace and power God has given each of you
May you have the wisdom to accept
And share
Your gift of light
This day and in all your days
Amen



