"To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

"To each according to his ability."  We will not be required to answer for that which was not given us.  A deep inner anxiety and tension can render the soul without peace which has glimpsed something of the beauty of God and desires greatly to serve him, please him, honor him and return as much as possible to him.  The soul sees how very far off the mark it is and through this crack the enemy enters and is given sufficient material with which to paralyze the soul.

The soul called to contemplation may become anxious that it is not engaged in the visible works of Martha or St. Peter.  It would be well for the soul to remember Christ's words to Martha: "Mary, who is listening at my feet, has chosen the better part and shall not be denied it."  (Luke 10.42)  And again, when Peter was commissioned by Jesus to go forth to do great works, Peter said "Lord, what about John?"  To which Jesus replied "It is my will that he remain - what is that to you?  Follow me!"  (John 21.22)

Each of us has been given different talents and we must try to discern dispassionately what they are.  We must not foolishly judge them as worthy of us or not but carefully listen for God's voice of conscience within us which speaks by way of inclinations, personality and tendencies.  It is God himself who created works before hand for us to fulfill (Ephesians 2.10) and it is for us to accomplish them.