In the first reading we hear about the faith and courage of the mother of seven sons killed for their adherence to Jewish law, “I ask you now, my son, that when you see the heavens, the earth and all that is in it, you know that God made all this from nothing, and the human race as well.  Do not  fear these executioners, but make yourself worthy of your brothers – accept death that you may again meet your brothers in the time of mercy.” (2 Mc 7: 28 – 29)

In the parable of the talents in the Gospel reading, we are told that we must make the best use of the gifts given us in life: we will be rewarded or punished accordingly.

Our God-given gifts win for us much coveted worldly honors: power, prestige, fame. They could be boon or bane depending on how we use them. Success and fame could be all-consuming passions, leading to our own destruction. Our talents could remain dormant in us for a variety of reasons: such would be great lack of responsibility on our part.

No one is without talents and gifts. Everyone has something to offer and to work with. Even in old age, we can give good example and guidance.