The word “talent” in today’s parable was used at the time of Jesus to describe an actual unit of money. Since the mid-fourteenth century that same word has also been used to describe a natural skill or ability. Of course, many of us turn our skills and abilities into cash through our work. Our “talents” become a means of business through which we earn a living. So the connection of the word to money has never really been lost. A question for us today might be: In what ways do I put my talents – money and abilities – at the service of God?
