I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground (Mt 25:25).
Sunday’s parable warns us that “burying” responsibilities we are too fearful of accepting will lead to “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Mt. 25:14-30). When we do not use what God has given us, we lose it, whether muscle mass or brain power or our very lives (c.f. Mt. 10:38ff).
One can reflect upon the disturbing scenes (“gnashing of teeth”) down the road at Brackenfell High School in the light of Jesus’ parable:
A diverse society is a gift, but, just like the Talent (30kg of gold), it is a “weighty” gift. One that requires the vigilance we expect of wealth portfolio managers. We who follow Jesus have been given the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:15). The Spirit will put to death prejudice in our own hearts by leading us into an ever-widening circle of friendships. The Spirit will reveal how that same brokenness becomes embedded in the institutions we serve (whether schools, clubs or church). The Spirit will lead us to challenge exclusion and offer creative ways to build community.
We pray for the Brackenfell community to react wisely and listen carefully. May we all be challenged to be proactive; agents of reconciliation, “salt and light”, who work to bring peace before things erupt in anger[1].
God Bless,
Sean
[1] Feel the compelling call to do that where you are? The Methodist Church has resources and gifted people to help. So, please do get in touch.