Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 25:28

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Forasmuch then as he did not this, "Take," saith He, "the talent from him, and give it to him that hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath." What then is this? He that hath a gift of word and teaching to profit thereby, and useth it not, will lose the gift also; but he that giveth diligence, will gain to himself the gift in more abundance; even as the other loseth what he had received.

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 78 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

So God takes the gift away from that wicked and slothful servant. He who has received a gift by which to benefit others, and does not so use it, forfeits the gift itself.

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

It might seem more seasonable to have given it rather to him who had two, than to him who had five. But as the five talents denote the knowledge of things without, the two understanding and action, he who had the two had more than he who had the five talents; this man with his five talents merited the administration of things without, but was yet without any understanding of things eternal. …

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Consequently he sets forth the punishment, and regarding this he does two things. First, he presents the punishment of loss; secondly, of sense. Regarding the first, he first presents the punishment of loss; secondly, a general maxim, at for to everyone that has shall be given, and he shall abound. He says therefore: take therefore the talent from him, and give it to him that has ten talents. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗