We have already seen that it was easy and pleasant for the first two servants to be faithful because they were so well-disposed to their master, whereas it was the other way about with the unprofitable servant.  He had an altogether wrong idea of his master’s character.  He looked on him as a hard man who expected more than he had any right to expect, and in consequence he did as little as he dared – and that grudgingly.

This parable, like that of the Ten Bridesmaids, is addressed to members of the Church, to the servants of the Master’s household, that is, to you and me.  Each of us will be required to show precisely how we have used the opportunities God has given us throughout our lives.  So we need to be prepared to account for the smallest details of our daily life.  As Jesus said, “I tell you, on the day of judgement you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter…” (NRSV, Matthew 12:36).

This is indeed no more than is reasonable, for we are responsible for all our actions all the time, and if we think a lifetime is a long time, it is quite the opposite with God.  In his sight, as the psalmist reminds us. “…a thousand years…are but as yesterday…” (90:4).