The principle on which God’s judgement of us will be based has been graphically described by Our Lord, “Much will be asked of the man to whom much has been given; more will be expected of him, because he was entrusted with more” (Luke 12:48, our emphasis). (2)

By the talents Our Lord means, not natural abilities, but the spiritual gifts he gives us and the opportunities we have of using them effectively for him.  The gifts themselves are frequent and abundant enough, as may plainly be seen if we compare our position with someone living perhaps in some remote and inaccessible part of the world.  For such a person – who, incidentally means as much to God as we do – there are no churches, no Sacraments, no Scriptures, no Christian prayer, no Christian worship, no Christmas, no Good Friday, no Easter Day and every Christian thing is as unknown and unheard of as the Name of Jesus himself.

What we have received from God over the years, as well as at the present time, is indeed staggering.  What advantages have we to help us fulfil the purpose of human existence: to know, love and serve God here so that we may be happy with him for ever hereafter!