Our Gifts

Readings for Tuesday November 3, 2009

First Reading: Romans 12:5-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 131
Gospel: Luke 14:15-24


Brothers and sisters: We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Rom 12:5-8)

In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul talks about how together we are the body, but as well we are individuals and therefore different parts of the same body. By being different, we must remember that God gives each of us different gifts and talents in this life. We may spend our whole life wishing we had other gifts, and by doing this we may neglect or be blind to the gifts that God has given us. If God gave each of us a specific grace, I think one of the saddest things that we could do is never use it, or waste the great gifts that God has given us. We need to remember that using our gifts and talents in the world is not only to help us find fulfillment in this world, it is also to help build up the body and God's kingdom.

Today, let us not only reflect on what our own gifts and talents are, and how we can use those to build up the body; but let us also reflect on how we should use our gifts and talents in the world. Saint Paul goes on to tell us how we should act in this world and how we can build up the kingdom of God:

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. (Rom 12:9-16)

Today, let us honor God in all that we do and seek to do the work that we are called to here on earth with a humble servants heart.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and thank you so much for all that you have given us and for all that you bless us with. Lord, help us to realize the talents that you have given us and to use those talents to do your good work here on earth. Lord, help us to let go of our will and surrender to your will. you alone know what is best and what is good for us, help us to abandon these worldly things and cling to you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.