One talent was an incredibly large amount of money, approximately 15 years pay for a labourer. So each person in today's parable is given a great treasure.

The master's behaviour of taking from one servant to give to another, may seem unreasonable and even harsh. There is a message that Jesus wants to convey. Serving God with the gifts we have been given involves taking initiative and sometimes taking a risk.

Discerning Christ's call to us is a process that takes time, patience and reflection: What in life consistently gives me a deep sense of peace, fulfillment or hope? What consistently makes my heart sing? Such questions can help us clarify our vocation and what Christ is calling us to do with the talents we have been given. However, these questions may still fall short of providing the security of 100 per cent certainty.

Faith involves taking a leap and trusting deeply in God. It involves investing our time and talents into what is good and loving even when we are not sure of the outcome. This is risky. We may lose much. We may also receive great blessing just as the two servants did.

Now, we are waiting for the master to return. This life is an opportunity. How do I want to use the treasure I have been given?