Living the Parable of the Talents

A Reflection on the Lay Dominican Call to Faithful Stewardship, by Mr. André J. Bakhos, Novice

As Christians, we are all entrusted with gifts and called to live lives that bear witness to our faith. For Lay Dominicans, this call takes on a unique dimension, drawing upon the rich Dominican charism of contemplation and action. This reflection invites all believers to consider the Parable of the Talents and its call to faithful stewardship, illustrated here through the Lay Dominican vocation.

Embracing Our Dominican Charism: The Parable of the Talents as a Call to Action

St. Dominic sends out the Friars - depicted on the window of the chapel of the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, DC.

As Lay Dominicans, we are entrusted with the charism of St. Dominic: to contemplate and give others the fruits of our contemplation. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Christ illustrates the profound responsibility we have in stewarding the gifts and talents God has given us. For Lay Dominicans, this parable resonates deeply, reminding us of our call to be faithful stewards of not only our personal abilities but also of the mission and values of the Dominican Order.

Faith and Works: A Harmonious Relationship

The Parable of the Talents highlights the need for a harmonious relationship between faith and works. St. James writes, "So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). The servants who actively used their talents exemplified the union of faith and action, while the servant who buried his talent represents a stagnant faith, one that fails to bear fruit through good works.

As Lay Dominicans, we must nurture our faith through prayer, study, and community while expressing it through works of mercy, service, and evangelization. This mirrors the faithful servants' willingness to engage their talents for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

Stewardship: A Divine Responsibility

Stewardship is a central theme in the Parable of the Talents. Each servant is given talents "according to his ability" (Matthew 25:15), symbolizing the unique gifts and responsibilities God entrusts to us. As Lay Dominicans, we are not just individuals called to live out the Gospel but are part of a broader mission within the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1937 reminds us that our differences—whether in talents, abilities, or vocations—are part of God's divine plan. We are called to use these gifts not for personal gain but for the common good and the growth of the Church.

This stewardship also emphasizes our accountability. St. Thomas Aquinas speaks of the virtue of justice, which calls us to use our gifts justly and productively, ensuring that we contribute to the good of the community. Failing to do so, as seen in the unfaithful servant, leads to spiritual stagnation and ultimately separation from the Master’s joy.

Avoiding Spiritual Sloth

One of the dangers highlighted in the parable is spiritual laziness, or sloth. The unfaithful servant, out of fear, buries his talent, symbolizing the sin of sloth. St. Thomas Aquinas categorizes sloth as a capital sin because it leads to the neglect of spiritual goods. The Catechism warns us in CCC 2094 that spiritual sloth—acedia—can lead us to refuse the joy that comes from God, resulting in stagnation in our spiritual life.

As Lay Dominicans, we are called to confront this tendency by embracing our responsibilities with diligence and joy. Regular prayer, participation in the sacraments, and active involvement in works of charity are essential to overcoming this spiritual danger.

Faithful Stewardship: Our Dominican Responsibility

In the Parable of the Talents, both the servant with five talents and the one with two talents returned 100% on their investments, symbolizing the different ways we can multiply our gifts. For Lay Dominicans, this multiplication of talents means living out our charisms of prayer, study, community, and preaching. It also means recognizing that our talents—whether intellectual, artistic, or practical—must be used for the glory of God and the benefit of others.

Painting of St. Thomas Aquinas by Botticelli

St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that "grace does not destroy nature but perfects it," reminding us that our natural abilities are meant to be perfected by divine grace. Whether we are called to teach, preach, serve, or provide charity, we must integrate our talents with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to fulfill our mission as Lay Dominicans.

Practical Application: Living Out Our Talents

Prayer and Study: As Lay Dominicans, our first responsibility is to foster our spiritual growth through prayer and study. This includes deepening our understanding of the Gospel, the Church's teachings, and the Dominican charism. In doing so, we prepare ourselves to serve others more effectively.
Community Involvement: Lay Dominicans are also called to be active members of our communities, whether through parish involvement, charitable work, or evangelization. Just as the faithful servants used their talents for the master’s benefit, we are called to use our gifts for the betterment of our communities and the spread of the Gospel.
Preaching and Evangelization: St. Dominic’s primary mission was to preach the truth of Christ. As Lay Dominicans, we continue this mission through our words and actions. Whether through teaching, writing, or simply sharing the faith with others, our talents must serve the greater mission of spreading the Gospel.

The Reward of Faithful Stewardship

The faithful servants in the Parable of the Talents were rewarded with more talents and the joy of their master. Likewise, as Lay Dominicans, our faithful stewardship—expressed through prayer, study, community, and preaching—leads to spiritual growth and deeper unity with Christ. This reflection serves as a reminder to all Christians of the joy and responsibility that come from using our talents for God’s glory. May we, like the servants in the parable, be diligent and joyful in our stewardship, each contributing to the Kingdom in the unique ways God has entrusted to us.

As St. Catherine of Siena said, "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire." When we live out our vocation with fidelity, diligence, and love, we multiply our talents, glorify God, and bring others closer to the Kingdom. May we always seek to be faithful stewards, using our talents wisely and generously for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.