Matthew 25:14-30 (NRSV)
Devotion
The gospel reading for this week continues the focus on concerns of the end time. In chapter 24 Matthew has basically followed Mark’s lead with cautions against useless speculation about the the end of time and the call rather to be awake and ready at all times for the coming of the Son of Man. But now he has added three parables of Jesus, unique to his Gospel, including this Parable of the Talents, which provide illustrative examples for disciples about what waiting for Jesus here and now in the meantime is to look like. Such waiting is grounded in Matthew’s understanding throughout of God’s kingdom. As if in answer to Jesus’ petition in the Lord’s prayer—“your kingdom come”—God’s kingdom is always in the process of coming into being among us. In this promise, and especially in Jesus’ promise in the Great Commission that he will be with us “until the end of the age,” we can faithfully and confidently make use of God’s gifts for the sake the world.
Prayer
God of Promise, guard us from useless speculation or immobilizing fears when we contemplate the end of time, but lead us to responsible use of the talents you have given us to engage in promoting your kingdom of justice and righteousness here and now in the meantime of waiting. Amen.
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