Several years ago a student of Christian Science was struggling with a seemingly tenacious phase of error. A friend who knew of the circumstances wrote to the student a very loving and helpful letter quoting Jesus' words in his parable of the pounds or talents, "Occupy till I come." These words were not only a great encouragement at the time, aiding in the bringing about of healing, but many times since they have come to thought when doubt, discouragement, or dismay has seemed to possess reality and power.
In Luke's record of Jesus' parable of the ten pounds or talents, we read of a nobleman who, in departing for a far country, gave a pound to each of his ten servants, saying to them, "Occupy till I come." Those servants who utilized the good which they had received could account for an increased amount of good when the nobleman returned. One servant, whose pound had gained ten pounds, and another, whose pound had gained five pounds, were given authority over ten cities and five cities respectively. But the servant who had kept his pound "laid up in a napkin," because he feared the austerity of his master, was rebuked for not having at least placed the pound in the hands of the usurers and received interest thereon. The nobleman thereupon said: "Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. . . . For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him."
Many have puzzled over this parable of Christ Jesus, sometimes even questioning the fairness or justice of the nobleman. However, in the light of Christian Science we learn that all of God's children are endowed with the divine qualities by reflection. The more good we express, therefore, the more good is ours to express. The talents or pounds might illustrate particularly, perhaps, the heavenly qualities of gratitude, faithfulness, supply, activity, and joy. If we do not express these qualities, we shall certainly not increase them or be of assistance to our fellow men.
