The Gospel this weekend is about the Parable of the Talents. It reminds us that God has entrusted us with a lot of potentials, not only to become the person he has called us to be, but also to build up the Church and God’s Kingdom. What a trust that is! Jesus puts himself and the Church and the Kingdom into our hands! And that trust is our responsibility. At times though, it is disheartening to see how many of us who have a lot of potentials refuse to use our gifts. Are we afraid of committing ourselves, putting our talents to good use, and taking risks with people? More so, some of us look only at the things we lack and complain about what we do not have. We are seldom content or satisfied with what we have. We are so obsessed with the phrase ---“If only…” If only I had that job...if only I had that home...if only I didn’t have this or that problem. These illusory words --- if only - - prevent us from seeing the good all around us and putting our potentials to actuality. In the Gospel, good servants are those who take risks. They are neither fearful nor over-cautious. They do not cling to what they possess. But if goodness is not invested, it is lost. Hence, we have to take the risks. Unless we do, we will end up like the third servant --- burying our abilities, our material and spiritual wealth, and everything we possess. Indeed, the parable is teaching us a valuable lesson. No one can stand still for long in the Christian life. We either get more or we lose what we have. We either advance towards God or we slip back. Let us ask then the Lord Jesus to make us respond fully to God’s deep trust in us. May he help us to make good use of the gifts, talents, graces, time and resources he has given us. Love & Prayers, Fr. Rex