Top Ten Principles about Talents (2-3-2019)

   I’m going to read a sentence and I’m sure you’ll be able to finish the next sentence. “He's making a list and checking it twice; Gonna find out who's naughty and nice….Santa Claus is comin' to town.” I share this today, not because Christmas was a little over a month ago. Rather, I share it because Santa is not the only who makes a list. We all make lists: grocery lists, to-do lists, wish lists, check lists, and bucket lists. Did I forget any lists? I know--what I just gave you: a list of lists! We like lists. Why? Because they help us get organized and then it’s easier to get things done. Sometimes we need lists because it’s hard to remember everything. During one of the last classes of the Orthodoxy Catechism course, I try to teach students how to take many of the spiritual practices they’ve learned and apply them to their lives. I give them a list and I call it the “Top Ten for Living the Orthodox Faith.” Some of you may remember I made this into a sermon series a few years ago.

   Today, I’m going to give you another top ten list. It’s about today’s Gospel reading from the 16^th Sunday of Matthew 25:14-30 in which Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents. I am interrupting our sermon series about Worship and Liturgy because this Gospel passage is somewhat rare in the Orthodox lectionary. It’s only selected when Pascha, the Feast of the Resurrection falls later in the Spring. Thus, today is only the fifth time in the last twenty years that we have heard it read in the Sunday liturgy. So, let us begin with the Top Ten Principles about the Talents.

   First, this parable, and many before it in the Gospel of Matthew, make references to the Kingdom of Heaven: what it is like, what it will be, or to what shall it be compared to (v.1). These stories that Jesus tells are illustrating the qualities and characteristics of heaven. Yet, they are not just referring to a future kingdom but a potential kingdom that can exist in the here and now.

   Second, what is a talent (to talanto, ta talanta)? A Greek coin with a value of 5,000 – 6,000 denarii (denari = Roman silver coin equivalent to a day’s wages of a common laborer). Thus, one talent = 15 years wages of a laborer. On one hand it can represent property, money and material wealth. On the other hand, it is symbolic for something of great value.

   Lev Gillet, (better known by his pen name: A Monk of the Eastern Orthodox Church) explains in his book, ‘The Year of the Grace of the Lord’, “The goods which the master entrusts to his servants signify all the natural gifts granted by God to his creatures: health, intelligence, riches, etc. All these exist through God and for God; we are no more than keepers charged with administering these divine assets. But the talents signify, above all, the supernatural gifts, the communication of divine life to men and the graces with which we are showered at every instant.”

   Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, speaking about spiritual gifts (pneumatikwn) says, “⁴ There are diversities of gifts [xarismata], but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are differences of ministries [diakoniwn], but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are diversities of activities [energematwn], but it is the same God who works all in all. (1Corinthians 12:4-6). He gives a list of possible talents: wisdom, knowledge (v.8), faith, healing (v.9), miracles, prophecy, discernment (v.10). In practical terms, he analogizes the Church as the Body of Christ in which one person represents the hand, another the foot, another the eye and yet another the ear. He articulates another list of various roles or talents: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helpers, and administrators (v.28). In his letter to the Romans chapter 12, Paul gives yet another list that includes: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership and mercy (vv.6-8).

   Third, everyone is given at least one talent (vv.14-15). Thus, we should never think or believe that God our Master has forgotten about us and didn’t give us even one single gift. Each one of us has been entrusted with at least one gift that is very valuable. The implicit message is that each one of us is very valuable in God’s eyes and that He trusts us! Our job in life is first to discover our talent(s) and second to use and multiply it. In the life of the Church, our job is to help others discover, use and multiply their talent(s).

   Fourth, God has given more gifts to some than others each according to his or her ability (v.15). Therefore, we should not be looking at other people’s talents and wishing we could have their talents or we could have the same number if we have less. Likewise, we should not look down on or judge others because we have more talents. God has given us exactly what we need: no more, no less, each according to our ability.

   Fifth, we are expected to be productive and use our talents to multiply them (vv.16-17). The only way to have more gifts and talents, is to use the one(s) God has entrusted to us. As many of us know, to build a retirement fund or other assets, involves investing money in stocks, annuities, bonds or similar. Larger yields or dividends involve more risk. The same is true with the gifts and talents God has given us. When we use them in doing God’s work, we risk that we might suffer loss, rejection or persecution. The one thing we cannot do is play it safe. In the parable, the servant who was condemned, took no risk by burying his one and only talent.

   Sixth, at some point in the future we must give an account for what’s been placed in our care. What did we do with our gift and talent and what did we do with the fruits or proceeds that it brought forth? I think this describes our death, our departure from this life. We will not take any of the possessions with us. At that point they will be returned to the master. However, this accounting also happens whenever we are asked to give to someone in need or some charitable organization or purpose--the Church included--that helps other people. Will be like the person with the ten talents and the one with four talents who freely give everything to its rightful owner—that is the one who needs it most (vv.20,22)?

   Seventh, joy in this life does not come from how much we have. Rather, it comes from what we do with how much or how little we have. Good management through self-discipline helps us be productive. We are more inclined to share what we have when we understand and accept that we are just stewards or caretakers, not owners, of what God has entrusted to us. We Christians call that stewardship. If I can learn to be generous with others, even if I only have one talent, that determines if I will be entrusted with more talents and gifts. Entering into the joy of our master implies that our heart is already in a condition of joy, full of generosity, free from possessiveness and laziness (vv.21,23).

   Eighth, our perception and attitude towards God affects how we live. Ask yourself, do I see God has someone who is harsh and ruthless or has someone who is generous, loving and forgiving? Having the fear of God means that we respond to Him with respect and obedience. It does not mean that we cower waiting for Him to punish us. Fear of God or anyone else is not healthy when our life is inhibited and stilted from fulfilling your potential (v.24-25).

   Ninth, idleness and laziness (v.26) imply a self-centeredness that is wasteful of God’s gifts (v.27). When Jesus says, “Take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents.” (v.28) and “For to everyone who has will more be given, and He will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (v.29), He is saying that our wicked, slothful attitudes will cause us to want to consume and possess more, to be jealous and covet more. It’s like having an attitude of entitlement in which we think we deserve certain things. On the other hand, generosity and productiveness give us satisfaction and fulfillment, contentment and peace with what we already have.

   Tenth, in managing what God has given us, our productiveness (or lack thereof) will affect our salvation, our eternal standing with God. “Outer darkness” (v.30) is symbolic language meaning ‘separation from God and other people.’ It stands in opposition to the “joy of your Lord” (vv.21,23) that represents communion with God and each other.

   In conclusion I want everyone to set aside some time and make a list. Think very carefully about what God has given you. He has given everything that you have but concentrate on talents and gifts. It might be one or more of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, teaching, helping, administrating, ministry, exhortation/encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. Maybe God has blessed you with a lot of money and wealth. Now think about how you are managing that one, two or five talents.

   This might help you understand better: Your baptismal robe/garment/outfit that signified your new life in Christ. Where is it? It’s probably in a box, in a closet buried under many other boxes collecting dust. Now think of your faith in God, including your practice of that faith: do you actively practice the life and teachings of Christ? Or are they buried somewhere collecting dust? We probably cannot put on our baptismal clothes anymore, but we can put on the robe of righteousness and faith in God, even if it includes only one talent. And by sharing this spiritual robe, we can help produce more faith, more trust and more righteousness in order to make God’s Kingdom on earth ever present and more powerful. Amen!

ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

 Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter

1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, (651) 222-6220, www.stgeorgegoc.org

February 10, 2019                                                                               SUNDAY OF THE CANAANITE

TODAY’S EVENTS: Greek dance practice 4:30pm.

Memorial: Pendy Eliou (1 year)            Prosfora: Jeanne Eliou     Head Greeters: Bill Clemons, Bob Baffa

Epistle Reader: Stephen Kanavati       Fellowship: Eliou Family

Monday       02-11     Office Closed (every Monday for next three months)

                                  Catechism Class “Christ II- His Work & Teachings” with Fr. Jason Houck          7:00PM

Thursday     02-14     MEOCCA meeting at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Minneapolis         11:00AM

Saturday     02-16     VESPERS                                                                                                       5:00PM

Sunday        02-17     ORTHROS (8:15am) &DIVINE LITURGY – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE                   9:30AM

                                   TRIODION begins

                                   Choir practice                                                                                             12:00PM

Monday       02-18     Catechism Class “Church I- Birth, Mission, Structure” with Dcn. Jason Ketz     7:00PM

Tuesday      02-19     Parish Council meeting                                                                                  6:30PM

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Welcome! to Fr. Paul Hodge who is serving Divine Liturgy today for Fr. Rick while he is away at the basketball tourney. Fr. Rick will return from out of town on February 19^th. For pastoral emergencies, please contact St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church at 612-825-9595. For non-emergencies, please call the office.

Loaves and Fishes- Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped serve on February 4^th. Thank you to Mrs. Theologia Pitsavas who donated the meal in loving memory of her husband Bill. May his memory be eternal!

Think About It:       Always let mercy outweigh everything else in you.        St. Isaac the Syrian (7^th cent.)

New Office Hours: effective February 4, the church office will be open Tuesday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. The office will be closed on Mondays. This will be in place for a three-month trial period. Please contact Fr. Rick or parish council member if any questions or concerns.

New Sunday Social Hour Coordinator: Thank you to Rita Kanavati for assuming this important task! Please contact Rita at ritakanavati@comcast.net if your family or group would like to host a Sunday Social Hour.

Stewardship 2019: Theme is “All things are possible to the one who believes in Christ” (Mark 9:23). 55 pledges have been received averaging $1,856, total $102,095. Three things to do: 1) pray for God’s inspiration and guidance, 2) plan-budget stewardship first, 3) give generously and sacrificially, at least three percent (3%) of gross yearly income. We thank you for supporting the ministries of our parish!

Year-End Statements: due to post office, financial giving statements were re-mailed on Wednesday, February 6. We apologize for the delay. If you have not yet received your statement, contact the office.

Fresh Phyllo - Philoptochos will be taking orders for FRESH phyllo following liturgy on February 24 and March 3,10. FRESH phyllo will be ready for pick up March 24. If you have any questions, please contact Presbytera Jane at janedono1@gmail.com.

Exterior Restoration- Brick, block and tuckpointing have been completed. Cost of project is $118,647. We have raised over $72,505 from our parishioners and friends. Please join us in this important work. Thank you!

Youth Minister Position Open: applications are now being accepted for this part time position. To apply, email a resume, cover letter and two references to Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org.

Youth Ministry Updates: next Youth & Family night will be February 23^rd focusing on St. Photini the Samaritan Woman. Future youth & family events will be March 23^rd, April 20 & 26, and May 11. Next organizational planning meeting will be Wed. Feb.27^th 6:30pm, then Mon. March 25^th 7pm, & Wed. May 15^th.

Wisdom from the Fathers: Watch over the conduct of your soul and body, so that you develop a disposition receptive to divine thoughts. Then you will be able with full consciousness to understand all the mysteries and miracles hidden within the Holy Scriptures.                                 St. Peter of Damascus (+749)

FOCUS MN Update: Volunteers opportunities at new home 550 Rice Street in St. Paul: team leader and workers to renovate kitchen and food shelf area- contact Vera at 651-324-2705 or vsproctor@gmail.com. On Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays 10am – 2pm volunteer to unpack and sort donations, clean, make minor repairs and more. Contact Kathy Schtowchan, 651-343-4183 or k.schtowchan@comcast.net.

Ribbon-Cutting: Join us on Monday, February 18 at 3pm to celebrate the Lyn Olson Medical Crisis Program becoming a new member of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce! Location: REVÉ Bistro and Bar, 200 East Chestnut Street, Stillwater, MN. To assist in planning, please RSVP to ribbon-cutting-lyn-olson

Girls Day-Treat– An Orthodox Lenten Retreat for Girls grades 8 – 12 aims to help them grow into womanhood through the teachings of the Church. Twelve Holy Apostles Church hosts this wonderful day of prayer, learning and fellowship on Saturday, March 9! Please register and see more details at www.12holyapostles.org!

Church Fathers Speak: the way of following Christ is not always strewn with rose petals. It is often an uphill climb, narrow, sorrowful, thorny, adventurous and filled with many tribulations. It is not a journey of ease, security, rest, honor and glory. It is a way of martyrdom. It demands taking up our personal cross including strict daily routine of abstinence, exile, denial, obscurity, scorn, derision and poverty. Monk Moses the Athonite (+2014)

2019 Pilgrimage to The Holy Land: Tom and Mary Rudquist of St. George Antiochian Church will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land September 17-26, 2019 that includes 3 nights in the Old City of Jerusalem; 3 nights in Bethlehem, and 2 nights in Nazareth. Cost is $1450 plus tips and airfare; includes hotels, transportation, entry fees, all breakfasts and dinners, 2 lunches and boat ride on Sea of Galilee. Limit is 25 participants; please confirm by March 15. For more info contact Tom or Mary at 651-890-6817 or abousean@yahoo.com.

Metropolis Clergy Laity: The St. George and St. Mary Church communities will co-host in the Twin Cities September 25-29, 2019. Alexis Bighley will co-chair. Hotel is Hyatt Regency in Bloomington.

Patristic Wisdom: When a person struggles against sin with humility and the fear of God, with fervent spiritual work and with the guidance of an experienced spiritual father, God will never let him/her be lost.             Elder Ephraim of Arizona

Lenten Retreat: March 22-24 with Fr. Moses Berry on African Americans and Orthodox Christianity including Fr. Moses’ life journey into Orthodoxy, Christian History in Africa and the African American Experience.

Choir Practices: on the third Sunday of each month after Divine Liturgy. Also, in preparation for Lent and Holy Week- March 12 at 6:30 pm, March 18 at 7:00pm, March 26, April 2, April 9 – 6:30 pm, April 15 at 7:00pm.

Lenten Lectures- Wednesday's theme is Christian Italy in which Fr. Rick shares images, memories and history from his recent trip. Friday’s theme is Patrology and Patristics: Church Fathers in Orthodoxy covering the Apostolic Fathers of the 1^st cent, Cappadocians of the 4^th cent., Greek Fathers and the Syriac/Desert Fathers.

Welcome Visitors Thank you for joining with us in prayer and fellowship. The worship of the Orthodox Church is deeply rooted in and very similar to that of the early Christian Church. Unique sensory stimuli and mystery are elements that go back even to the liturgy of the Jewish temple. Everything in an Orthodox Christian church communicates the majestic presence of God the Holy Trinity with His Saints. It is literally heaven on earth. It is a sad consequence of the divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Visitors are invited to receive the blessed bread (antithoron) at the conclusion of the liturgy. We pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all Christians. If you are interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, please contact Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org. We are proud of our Greek heritage, but one does not have to be of Greek descent, nor speak Greek to be a Greek Orthodox Christian.

Note to Orthodox about Holy Communion: Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most Holy experiences for a Christian in order to be granted the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. We are never worthy to partake of Divine Nature. Yet, it is essential that we prepare ourselves for this sacred Communion by constant prayer, reading the Scriptures, regular fasting and periodic Confession. At a minimum, we should fast all morning before Communion, arrive at the beginning of Liturgy, and come for Confession at least once a year. In addition, we should not have separated ourselves from the Church through serious sin. Otherwise, please refrain from Communion to avoid “judgment…not discerning the Lord’s body” (1Cor. 11:29). Contact Fr. Rick for pastoral guidance.

Glad Tidings deadline: The 10th of each month. Glad Tidings email: gladtidings@stgeorgegoc.org  Sunday Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday Noon each week.  Email: office@stgeorgegoc.org