Excuses, excuses! Most of us make them. As a wise saying goes, "Whoever really wants to do something will find a way; whoever doesn't, will find an excuse."
Legendary baseball manager Casey Stengel famously couldn't stand what he called a "pebble-picker" on his team. A pebble-picker was a shortstop who, after missing a grounder, would search the infield, find a pebble, and hold it up as an excuse for his error.
This evening's Parable of the Talents offers a classic example of a pebble-picker: someone who makes excuses.
In the gospel, an employer entrusted three employees with a share of money, each according to their ability. That detail, "according to their ability," is key to understanding this parable.
For instance, you wouldn't give a baby a large glass of milk; you'd use a baby bottle, matching the delivery to the baby's ability. Similarly, you wouldn't ask an elderly person to climb a steep mountain in blistering heat; you must align the opportunity with the person's capability.
The word "talent" in this gospel refers to a monetary unit, not a personal skill as we commonly understand it. In Jesus' time, one talent was worth more than a common laborer would earn in a lifetime.
What do we learn about the master from the gospel? He is a traveler who entrusts his possessions to others, demonstrating trustworthiness and a willingness to take risks. He is generous and fair, giving each servant according to their ability. He is affirming, twice saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." He is also demanding, with lofty expectations, and confrontational when necessary, stating, "You wicked and lazy servant."
We also learn a lot about the employees. The first two were risk-takers and quite enterprising. They invested their talents and earned a sizable profit. The third employee, Mr. Overly Cautious, buried his talent and made excuses. Why?
He himself provided the reason: "...out of fear I went and buried your talent in the ground." Fear of failure held him back. Fearful of doing the wrong thing, he did nothing at all.
Don't let fear prevent you from trying something new or challenging.
Second, Mr. Overly Cautious played the game of "If only." "If only I had been given the talents of these others, I could have accomplished something."
Many of us do the same. "I would love to lector or sing in the choir, if only I had a better voice." "I would love to support the church, if only I had more money."
"If only" is simply another form of excuse-making.
The story is told of a young woman who would go to the movies and sigh, "If only I had her looks." She would listen to a singer and moan, "If only I had her voice."
When she stopped comparing herself to actresses and singers and focused on her own gifts, she realized she had the talent to make people laugh. Phyllis Diller went on to become a hugely successful comedienne.
Another reason Mr. Overly Cautious buried his talent was his belief that his one talent wouldn't make a difference. This is why some people don't vote or fail to act when they see injustice; they underestimate their impact. Remember, everyone can make a difference.
Michael Costa, a celebrated 19th-century conductor, was rehearsing an orchestra. As the mighty instruments rang out, the piccolo player decided his contribution wouldn't be missed, so he stopped playing. The conductor immediately halted the music and cried out, "Where is the piccolo?" The piccolo did make a difference.
Every contribution matters!
Our gifts and talents are meant to help others, not just ourselves. To hide them serves no one, neither God, neighbor, nor self. Unused talents fade away or dry up. They may even be taken away, as in the parable. Ouch! It doesn't matter how many talents we have; what matters is how we use them.
We all know those risk-takers and go-getters. People who take an idea and pursue it relentlessly, succeeding through perseverance.
What talent enabled Abraham Lincoln to persist despite business failure, political defeats, a nervous breakdown and the loss of his sweetheart? The talent of perseverance.
What talents allowed Albert Einstein to develop the theory of relativity despite being labeled a misfit, considered abnormal and failing college entrance exams? He possessed the talent of knowing oneself and one's strengths.
For some, failures are opportunities. We are called to invest in faith and grow in love. For others, failures mean withdrawal, excuses or self-pity.
I don't think you want to face the Lord on Judgment Day and say, "Yes, Lord, I know You gave me a sound mind, a loving heart, skills and abilities, and surrounded me with people to share them with, but I was afraid, and I buried them so I didn't have to be involved."
The Lord's response: "...and throw this useless servant into the darkness." Ouch, again.
We are called to take risks, to step out of our comfort zones, and to invest ourselves fully to gain the Kingdom of Heaven. That includes getting involved in at least one ministry at your parish.
The moral of this parable: Don't be a pebble-picker. Stop making excuses. Use your gifts, embrace the challenge and risk everything to serve God and others.
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