On The Parable of the Talents

Reflecting on how so far my siblings and I have been doing well in our respective professions, I cannot help but ask what would have we become if we have allowed poverty bury our talents and blessings? Indeed if we have let ourselves be overcome by poverty, we would not have reached this far, instead we would have remained economically insignificant or poor.

Born of farmer parents who can boast only of first year high school as their highest educational attainment, very little hope or worse, nothing would have been expected from us their children on becoming successful studies-wise. No one would have expected us to finish even a four-year college course! Yet God is indeed good and gracious. To compensate our poverty, He has given us the hunger for knowledge and the patience to pursue even our lofty dreams. Thus, almost unbelievably, my poor and inadequately educated parents have produced four (4) professionals in us their four (4) children: a commerce graduate (Manong Tyrone), two (2) medical doctors (Ate Jing and Kuya Tani) and a lawyer (me).

Poverty was a hindrance to us then, yet we managed to overcome the same by making use of our available talents. With our God-given talents and blessings, we were able to finish our respective "high" courses, thus multiplying our initial talents. As we have proven ourselves worthy to realize our respective professions, we are now given the greater responsibility to serve others, especially the sick and the marginalized. And true to Jesus’ invitation, with our greater responsibilities at present, we are also experiencing joy; we are also sharing our Master’s joy.

When I was still haggling with my parents for them to allow me to re-enter the seminary, this “received-talents/blessings” argument surely has helped me a lot. When I pointed out to them that we have already received much blessings, and so we should also offer a sacrifice to God as an expression of our gratitude, they somehow began to understand my calling. A year later, when finally I was formally accepted to the religious life during our first profession of vows, I believe they have already comfortably accepted my decision not only because of their full force attendance but even so by the pride and joy visible on their faces during such profession. Indeed, as they have proven themselves worthy and faithful in certain things, especially in sending us successfully to school despite poverty, now they are given the greater opportunity and responsibility to do greater things – that of sacrificing a child for God’s greater glory. And with that, I believe, just like what Jesus has promised, my parents are now sharing their Master’s joy — our Master’s joy. Amen.


Ate Doc Jing











Kuya Doc Tani