Lord’s Day Reflection: ‘Talents, Talent, and a Touch of Divine Inspiration’

By Jenny Kraska

There is beautiful connection between this Sunday’s Gospel, the artistic genius of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the 400th anniversary of the dedication of St. Peter’s Basilica, which we celebrate on November 18th.

In the Parable of the Talents, the master entrusts his servants with different gifts.  Two servants take what they have received and put it to work, doubling their talents.  The third, however, buries his talent in the ground out of fear.

The distinction is important.  The Gospel is not simply asking whether we have been successful.  It is asking whether we have been faithful.  Have we used the gifts God has entrusted to us, or have we allowed fear, complacency, or a desire for security to keep those gifts hidden?

When I read this Gospel, I was reminded of an exhibition I visited in Rome earlier this year – Bernini and the Barberini.  The exhibition explored the remarkable relationship between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Maffeo Barberini, who became Pope Urban VIII in 1623. Barberini recognized the extraordinary gifts of the young artist and gave him opportunities to develop them.  Bernini, in turn, was willing to take risks, experiment, and use his remarkable talents in service of the Church.

One cannot think of Bernini and Urban VIII without thinking of St. Peter’s Basilica.  November 18th marks the 400th anniversary of the dedication of the present basilica in 1626.  Bernini would leave an indelible mark on this sacred space, most notably through the magnificent bronze baldachin that stands above the tomb of St. Peter.

Standing beneath that extraordinary structure, one is reminded of what can happen when human gifts are placed at the service of God.  Bernini’s genius was not simply about creating something beautiful or securing his own legacy.  His artistry directs our attention beyond himself – to the altar, the Eucharist, and ultimately to Christ.

There is another important lesson here.  St. Peter’s Basilica was not built by one person or one generation.  It was the work of countless people, each contributing something of their own gifts, faith, and labor.  Each generation received something and was responsible for passing it on.

The Church too, has inherited an extraordinary treasury of faith, tradition, wisdom, and beauty.  But an inheritance is not something simply to preserve behind glass.  It is something to cultivate, renew, and share with the next generation.

Perhaps that is the challenge of this Gospel and this anniversary: What are we doing with the talents entrusted to us? Are we using them generously? Are we helping others discover their gifts? Are we building something that will outlast us?

Not everyone is called to sculpt marble, design a basilica, or lead a great undertaking.  Some are called to teach, serve, encourage, heal, lead, or simply be present to someone in need.  What matters is that we do not bury what God has given us. 

Four hundred years after the dedication of St. Peter’s, we can still marvel at what faith, imagination, courage, and human talent can accomplish when placed at the service of God.

May we have the courage to do the same – not burying our gifts in fear, but offering them generously, so that what we build today may become a blessing for generations yet to come.

And may we, one day hear those words of the Master: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy.”