The Latin verb 'educare', which
means education, is a combination of ex (outside) and duchere (lead), meaning
'to bring out'. The purpose of education is not to impart knowledge, but
to reveal potential to the outside and lead to fulfillment, and it has the
meaning of nurturing and growth. It means that the purpose of education is to
find, nurture, and grow one's own unique talents.
We tend to judge our opponents based on fixed standards rather than unique
talents and creativity, as we live in a highly competitive society. However, in
fact, each person has their own abilities and talents, and one should not be
compared to those of others.
In this regard, Talent's metaphor (Matthew 25, 14-30) sends a very important
message. An owner went on a trip; he left five, two, and one Talent to each of
the three servants. Two of the servants increased what was received and
were praised by the owner on his return, but the one who received only one
Talent returned only what was received. He was scolded, and even what he had
received was taken away. It is not easy to accept the conclusion of
this metaphor. "I didn't waste one talent, but I gave it back as it is,
but it’s unfair why even what I have should be taken away?"
In fact, this story embodies the truth about life metaphorically. We all live
with our own abilities. Each of us has different abilities, and this is an
incomparable value. Receiving talent according to one's ability will mean
'diversity' rather than quantity.
In
Luke’s Gospel (Chapter 19), it is said that everyone received an equal amount
of money. What matters is not 'how much' you received but what you did with
what was received. We are all endowed with certain abilities and talents. It is
a message that God has entrusted to us to use not only for ourselves but also for others, and we will be held accountable for how much we have developed the talents He has given us for the benefit of others.
This
parable asks: What is the Talent I have received? Finding my own talent and
using it to benefit the church, the world, and others?The metaphor says that
each person has a natural talent, and it is important to find that unique
talent.
On the other hand, talent does not burn up in a moment when you are young. It
becomes more evident as you age through effort, cultivation, and accumulation
over a long period of time. Therefore, it would be wiser to ask: 'What kind of talent has the Lord entrusted to me that I have not found in my life?' rather than 'What kind of talent am I looking for at this age?' As I faithfully do the
things entrusted to me, the talents that have been honed and accumulated in me
will naturally shine and be revealed.
Wasn't one of the Talents that Jesus possessed the ability to look at people with compassion and
share their pain with them? And should we not all cultivate this talent to treat
people with compassion? That talent is exercised not only through
activities, but also through prayer, small sacrifices, and service. Therefore,
regardless of our age or health, we will be able to fulfill our mission as the
disciples of the Lord sent out with joy and faith.
