The readings of today pose a beautiful challenge to me: What message could we interpret from the Parable of the minas? For a while I felt confused about the “proper” interpretation until I decided to let my fears go away and look at the parable with fresh eyes.

My first thought related the Parable of the minas to the Parable of the talents and reminded me of my fourth grade teacher who explained the parable so nicely (that I can remember it 30 years later!): how we have the unique opportunity to use our God-given gifts for the service and glory of God, as testimony of our faith.

I read the parable few more times and tried to provide meaning to the conversation between the king and the “other servant”. After  extra reading and thinking, I started to see the parable as an illustration of discernment: each servant had the opportunity to make a decision and use their judgment and understanding to act accordingly. The decision that each servant made depended on each person’s abilities, skills, values and interpretation of their own environment. I wonder whether Jesus wanted to show us how we need to grow in wisdom to gauge the pros and cons of each situation and based on our analysis, make the most appropriate decision.

On a daily basis I have to make decisions, each of different nature, scope and consequences. While I do let my intuition factor in, I also purposefully rationalize my choice such that my decision reflects my values, my goals and my faith. This gives me certitude that I have listened to different parts of my brain, that I have listened God’s words and that to the best I can I am doing what I am supposed to do.

My prayer today is for us to develop a stronger sense of discernment, making appropriate choices in accordance to our true values and God guidance.