November 16, 2008
Sunday

The Word Prv 31:10-13.19-20.30-31, 1 Th 5:1-6/Mt 25:14-30

"It will be as when a man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one - to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately, the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.

After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'

(Then) the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.' His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?

Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

In other words…

Benny is a Methodist minister. Together with his wife and kids, he attends to his flock on Sundays in their small chapel near our Catholic chapel in Palawan. Having only a small community and a very meager allowance from their central office, he has to work on weekdays to support his family.

His special talent lies in searching for underground water through his divining rod. He digs wells and installs mechanical pumps. Because of his work, he travels a lot and even sets sail to some remote islands to look for potable water for people [Q use. He helps the natives, the Muslims, Christians of different churches. In payment for his services he charges a minimal amount and only after water successfully flows out of his pumps. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Working with primitive tools, he digs holes in the ground using long rods of iron. Of course, he does not always succeed; and when he fails, he simply transfers to nearby spots and digs anew.

When Benny is free, I would invite him to check and repair the electrical wiring in our chapel. And when water fails to come up our well, guess who we run to for help?

Come to think of it, when the final hour comes, I think it would be this pastor whom Jesus would address first with these words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters ... come, share your Master's joy."

- Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD (CKMS, QC)