At this time of the year, many will be writing examinations or undergoing a process of assessment. In some cases, this will be less serious as pupils, students, and workers will merely be giving their teachers, lecturers, and employers an indication of what they have learned or achieved and where the shortfalls are. But for others, the results of
their exams and assessments could determine the course of their lives: what studies would be available to them, what jobs or promotions they will get, where they will live and many other important and less important things.
This story of Jesus could be fruitfully contemplated at this level, providing some sense of consolation or forewarning. Our Creator entrusts us
with specific talents and has a plan for his Kingdom. He then leaves, expecting his servants to get on with developing and applying those talents.
However, if one follows the flow of how Matthew tells the Good News story of Jesus’ mission and how God sees the future of his Kingdom, there are far more profound messages for us in Jesus’ parable. Here, Jesus
talks about how things will be when he returns to his Kingdom as judge. “It will be like . . ." he says.
Understood this way, Jesus’ story has less to do with personal examination and assessment and more with how God envisions the building of his Kingdom and what results he will have. He has provided all his servants with everything necessary for the proper
sustenance and growth of the Kingdom he came to establish in this world. He left it to us to work cooperatively and diligently to overcome evil and sustain a Kingdom of love, peace, and joy.
As you face an exam or work assessment, are you consoled with the knowledge that you have invested your skill and understanding well, confident of the outcome? Can you
approach this with peace, anticipating your Creator’s approval of your achievement? How can you save your situation with God’s grace and help if not?
Ponder carefully the talents you have been given to help achieve this. How are you faring? Are you on the right path? Can you sense the Lord’s smile of approval of what he sees?
Reflections by Reginald Venter
