"Do not neglect the gift you have." 1 Tim 4:13
St. Paul, like every good mentor, regularly reminds those he helped form in faith that each person has a gift that is given to them to build up the body of Christ. To forget this, to take it for granted or to deny it harms the whole body. Worse still, we can undervalue the gifts God gives us, especially when they come naturally.
This is a particular danger for those whose gifts are hidden from public view. The volunteer sacristan for a parish community who opens and closes the church everyday, and creates lists of lectors, eucharistic ministers and mass servers, quietly helps everyone to prepare and fully participate in the Eucharist. While rarely acknowledged publicly, her gifts enhance the life of all in the community.
St Mother Teresa of Calcutta reminds us:
The greatest fulfillment is in doing God's will. We do not have to do great things, only small things with great love. We do not have to be extraordinary in any way, I can do what you can't do and you can do what I can't do. Together we can do something beautiful for God. We can be the little pencils in the hand of God. (Mother Teresa)
Today, be grateful for whatever gifts you have been given.
What blinds you to the gifts of others?
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