As harsh as the parable of the slaves and talents found in the Gospel of Matthew may seem at first, there is a better way to hear it. It isn't about God being harsh; our salvation isn't based on merit. God loves us, completely. This is a parable about opportunities, and how we react to those that present themselves to us. Do we value the opportunities that come to us, both the "once in a lifetime" and everyday varieties, or do we miss them by being only reactive and passive? Are we joyful, or negative? When we look at ordinary moments in our lives we should take the time to ask where the opportunity lies, to live fully in that moment, and to live it gratefully.

Influential Source: Brother David Steindl-Rast, "Want to be happy? Be grateful." Ted Talk, 2013. https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful?utm_campaign=tedspread--b&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

The Scripture references are Deuteronomy 8:7-10, Psalm 65:1,6,7,10-12, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. The Gospel reference is Matthew 25:14-30.