To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one talent, to each according to his ability, and he set out on a journey.
In this saying Jesus shows the justice of divine distribution. The Lord does not give gifts at random, but according to each person’s inner capacity and readiness. The talents symbolize the graces and opportunities that God gives to people, not only material ones, but even more spiritual ones, namely: reason, time, grace, the ability to love and to serve. The differing amount does not mean inequality, but different degrees of responsibility. What matters is not how much is given, but how it is used. The phrase “and he went on a journey” shows that the Lord gives a person freedom to act with the graces given to him without immediate supervision, so that each one’s faithfulness may be revealed. Thus, the parable teaches that every gift has its measure and its purpose: to grow in service, not in comparison.