In the ancient world, a “talent” was a unit of currency of great value. In other words, their master entrusted all three of the men with large sums of money. The parable continues: “After a long time, the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them” (Matthew 25:19). When the first two servants come forward, the master is not only pleased but entrusts them with even more responsibilities. Notice that the master emphasizes the servants’ faithfulness with what they are given—not so much the additional wealth they generate. Meanwhile, the third servant explains his reasoning for burying the talent, which is done out of fear, lack of trust, and preconceived notions of his master’s character. The third servant acts cowardly, and this costs him greatly. He loses the single talent that he was given and is then cast out permanently from the master’s service.

Addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments can lead us to act more like the third servant than the first two. They can distort our perception of God, ourselves, others, and the world around us. They can cause us to act in fear with a lack of trust in God. They can exhaust our efforts, leading us to spend all our time uselessly building a “hole” to bury our talents as opposed to investing them to live fruitfully. The sacramental life of the Church and the Twelve Steps help reorient our perception to the truth of God. Steps 1-3 prepare our hearts by developing a trusting, intimate relationship with Him. With the guidance of a caring sponsor, we soon begin to rely on God and honestly examine our life journey with curiosity instead of judgment (Step 4). Ultimately, recovery and the sacraments help us see God as a loving Father instead of a harsh master, enabling us to begin living fruitfully so that we may share in His joy for all eternity.

Reflection Questions

• What is your perception of God the Father? How has this perception helped or hindered your spiritual growth and recovery?
• How has the Church’s sacramental life and the Twelve Steps increased your faithfulness to God in both small and large matters?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21
Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Reflection by Talitha R.