I needed to read your reflection today. I tend too not use my talent when the challenge appears too hard and failure is a possibility. Depression and fear prevent me from maximizing my talents. I pray to have the courage and faith to use my talents for God’s will.

Thank you for your reflection on the first two readings and on the Gospel. Very well written. You captured a lot in a reasonable length. You referenced a William Barclay. Are you referring to the Church of Scotland minister and author?

With regard to talents, I would like to encourage everyone, if possible, to look into “charisms”, which are special talents or gifts of the Holy Spirit that are given to us when we are baptized and are meant for the provision of others. While someone such as a golf player can be talented, that talent does not necessarily help others. Whereas a charism is a special gift that is specifically meant to help others. If it doesn’t help others then it is not a charism.

I was fortunate to have participated in an event at a parish in the Washington, DC area two years ago that helped me identify my charism (people can have more than one charism, but every baptized person has at least one charism). It was a very fascinating experience that took place over a period of time (including an all-day workshop) and involved a discernment process where your results are analyzed and a determination made as to what your charisms are.

God bless you.

God bless you, Father.