You heard the parable in today's Gospel reading, but did you see it? Put yourself in the midst of the parable and look around. What do you see? Who do you see? What is going through your mind? It is widely accepted today that Jesus’ parables were intended to be interpreted allegorically. This does not mean that they are allegories in the full sense, such that all characters and events, right down to the little detail of time of day or weather conditions. Rather, there are a number of allegorical connections between all the parables. These parables, such as this one about the talents, is being told to those who are disciples and wannabe followers, and not the general public. Jesus spent most of his teaching career in and around Capernaum. And look at the photo and see the town and its relationship to other sites we read about and see the Mount of the Beatitudes. A place more than likely, Jesus would gather people and tell his stories. Picture yourself sitting on the side of the hill, the warm wind blowing, the sun is out, and maybe a few clouds.