Today's gospel makes it very clear that far more is expected of us. We are expected to make an active and positive contribution to the work of the Kingdom and of the Christian community as the Body of Christ. In practice, that means taking an active part in our Church, in our parish and in making a contribution to the betterment of our society. So, it is very important for us to spend some time reflecting on our unique talents or gifts or abilities and then to ask how and for what purpose I am using them.

The time to do that is today because, as we have been amply warned, we do not know when our "employer" is coming back to check his accounts with us.

The end of today's passage indicates that if we do not move forward, or are not productive, then we go backwards. We cannot remain static or purely passive in God's service. To do nothing is not a possible option. The more we give and share with others from the resources we have, the more we are personally enriched. On the other hand, to cling to our gifts and keep them just for ourselves is to become smaller in every way.