In biblical times, a talent was an extraordinary measure of weight or money (roughly 15–20 years of a laborer’s ‘ wages). In our Catholic understanding, these talents are representations of God’s unfathomable Providence; the sanctifying graces He bestows upon us, the gifts of the Spirit we received in Baptism, and the Sacraments by which He continuously shows us His love and mercy. As recipients of a great deal of abundance from God, we need to be responsible and reliable stewards that are doing well in terms of making the most of these not only for ourselves but for others. Time will come that we will have an account of what God has given us so that we can share God’s joy forever. That is, if we are able to become good and faithful stewards all our lives.

The Master has given us necessary opportunities to make the most out of these graces. We must be able to live by these and we must align our will and freedom with the will of God. He does not force us to do something against our will. He always respects our freedom. But we need to do what we ought to do. This is the true definition of freedom. If we divert our attention to that which is not according to God’s will, we can be slaves forever. When we sin, for instance, we choose to do something which is against God’s will and we become slaves of it. We become slaves of envy, of lust, of greed, and of anger. We are not enjoying the freedom of the children of God because we choose to be far from Him by sinning.

As we come to the close of the Liturgical year and as we contemplate on the return of the Master in due time, we must be able to acknowledge what He has given us and we need to multiply it through Him who sustains us with His mercy and love. When we multiply love, it will return to us in abundance. If we multiply goodness, it will return to us all the more. It is not that we can do it on our own, but it is because we are very cooperative to God and we do our best to do His will as our will also. By this, we hope to hear the Master, sooner or later, saying: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Come, share your Master’s joy.” The joy of the Lord is what makes our joy complete. The joy of the Lord is what satisfies us when we will come to be with Him forever.

~ FRA. RONEL MA. ADVINCULA, OSM

Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

Last month, I was involved in a vehicular accident, and for a moment, I thought my mission here on earth might be over. Inside the ambulance, I kept talking to calm my Nanay and reassure everyone that I was okay. But while waiting in the ER with my Ate, the reality slowly sank in, and my tears fell as I realized how suddenly life can change.

Earlier that day, I had gone grocery shopping with my brother and sister-in-law for Nanay’s 65th birthday, brought snacks to my boyfriend, and was on my way to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal National Shrine for a meeting. I had hoped to attend Confession and Mass, but instead spent time in the Adoration Chapel praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I was also looking forward to sharing rosaries with attached Miraculous Medals with the youth at the following day’s event.

While praying, I reflected on the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30). Napayabong ko ba ang mga talentong ipinagkatiwala sa akin ni Lord? Naging mabuti at tapat ba akong katiwala sa mga biyaya, pagkakataon, at responsibilidad na ipinahiram Niya sa akin? Have I multiplied these gifts through love, service, and bringing others closer to Him?

Then the accident happened.

While waiting for my CT scan and X-ray, those questions returned. If that night had been my last, could I honestly say I had been faithful to everything God entrusted to me? Would I hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?

I wasn’t afraid of dying. What frightened me was meeting Him knowing I had left talents unused, opportunities unfulfilled, and love unshared.

Perhaps being given another chance is God’s reminder that my mission is not over. I still have time to cultivate and multiply the talents entrusted to me, serve more generously, and allow them to bear fruit for His greater glory.

Let us not wait for a life-changing moment to recognize the gifts God has entrusted to us. May we not simply preserve them, but faithfully multiply them and use them to bless others. After all, what matters is not how much we have been given, but how faithfully we have used what is ours to share.

And when our time comes, may we joyfully hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

~ FREDYLENE BALENSOSA

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and talents You have entrusted to us. Give us the courage to overcome our fears, believe in ourselves, and make the most of every opportunity. Help us use our abilities to serve others and bring glory to Your name. May we always be faithful stewards of Your blessings. Amen.

Originally published in the Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet Newsletter (November 15, 2026 issue).