NOTES for Mat 25:14-30
We are used to using the word talent to designate special gifts, whether artistic or scientific and technical. In general, this interpretation is permissible, but it does not exhaust the whole meaning of this parable. After all, many people in whom special gifts have not appeared, as it seems, could say: no talent has been given to me, so this does not apply to me. One can object that such reasoning is at best self-deception, for the Lord has given each of us a great deal; we do not even suspect it, and after accepting a false idea about themselves, many really do bury their talents. Those who do this often act not only because of their own personal fear, but also because they have yielded to the dictates of public opinion, which suppresses initiative.
But talents should mean everything valuable with which the Lord has endowed us. This includes various abilities, qualities of soul, and numerous spiritual gifts. It is time to understand that the Lord has given each of us the opportunity to bear fruit. After all, He wants us to be His co-workers.