Pope Francis, Earth Day, and the Parable of Talents
Pope Francis has passed away.
Although I am not Catholic, I’ve observed his compassion and advocacy for the poor, the marginalized, and the environment.
Since Tuesday, April 22nd, is Earth Day, I wanted to share that Pope Francis played a significant role in helping 200 countries sign the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement to combat climate change.
He stated, “The world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point. In addition to this possibility, it is indubitable that the impact of climate change will increasingly prejudice the lives and families of many persons.”
This reminds me of one of my favorite parables, The Parable of the Talents.
Matthew 25:14-30 (English Standard Version) The Parable of the Talents 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[a] and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents,[b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.[c] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid my talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has more will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
I’ve written about this Parable before:
https://www.katychenmazzara.com/blog/courage-to-live-life-of-dreams?rq=parable%20of%20the%20talent (This one was a sermon by Episcopal Priest Ed Bacon on fears and dreams.)
https://www.katychenmazzara.com/blog/happy-holidays-and-our-god-given-gifts?rq=parable%20of%20the%20talent (This one was about our God-given talents and how we should not bury them.)
https://www.katychenmazzara.com/blog/memorialday?rq=parable%20of%20the%20talent (This one is also about not burying our talents but to also see God as loving and giving.)
Today, I want to discuss the Parable in terms of being good stewards of our resources. When I first start working with a client, they share their goals and intentions, and I’ve been particularly pleased that two couples have expressed a financial goal of being good stewards of their financial resources.
I believe this aligns with The Parable of the Talents and financial wellness. When we are given more, we must do more with it. The “master” rewarded the two servants who increased their talents, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.”
To the servant who was afraid and buried his talent, returning only what was given, the master essentially said, “You wicked and lazy servant! … You ought to have invested my money and at least returned the money to me, with interest!”
When we do more with what we are given, we are rewarded with greater abundance.
This, to me, means that with any amount of money you have:
Carefully consider your purchases! If you’re mindful of the environment, avoid buying excessive “stuff” that may end up in landfills, such as “fast fashion” and plastic items.
Prioritize quality over quantity. What if you invested in something more expensive NOW but durable enough for lifelong use? My mom bought me a Prada jacket about 20 years ago that I still wear almost daily in the winter. It’s easy to pack for trips and remains stylish!
Align your spending with your core values. When considering a significant purchase (over $300), I assess how well it aligns with my core values (love, humor/levity/laughter, freedom/independence, being proactive, loyalty/trust/true community/relationships/friendships, inner peace/growth/spirituality/hope/faith, intuition/compassion/empathy, health/vitality, creativity, passion/excitement/change/adventurousness/curiosity). If it aligns with most of my core values, I proceed. If not, I decline.
Embrace the power of “no.” “No” can mean “not right now” or a simple refusal. We don’t need to buy everything others have, or “keep up” with social media, neighbors, or friends. We can create a “no spending” list for a day, a week, a month, or a year! I listened to the “Happier in Hollywood” podcast, where one host is doing a year-long “no spending” list. She listed items she cannot buy this year. This is a great way to build discipline, accountability, and boundaries. You can also use up existing items before buying new ones, whether it’s skincare, clothes, shoes, or handbags.
Ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” If so, can I borrow it or find it at a “no buy” group, thrift store, or gently used store like Goodwill? Buying secondhand helps the environment. Period.
So, how will you be a good steward of your resources this Earth Day? I’m not advocating for a complete cessation of buying or spending; I don’t believe that’s an abundant mindset. However, I encourage you to be more conscious, not only for yourself and your finances but also for the environment. The more we buy, the more ends up in landfills. The less we buy, the greater the positive impact.
This Earth Day, will you join me in a “no buy” day? Instead, let’s deposit $22 into our savings (since it’s April 22nd) or $26 (4+22)!
With Love & Gratitude,
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