Different gifts for different folks

Note: I am having minor surgery tomorrow and will not be posting reflections for a few days. Pray for me, please. 

Saint Paul to the Romans: “each of us has gifts according to the grace given to us.” (Romans 12:6)

A few comments:

·         Each of us. No one is excluded from this economy of grace. If you think you have no gifts, ask the Lord to open your eyes to see what he has given you. If you think someone else has no gifts, or regard someone as useless, again, ask the Lord to open your eyes.

·         Has gifts. Don’t think materially, in terms of possessions or products of consumption. The best way to recognize a gift is to visualize how it can be used for the good of others. Some people think they have no gifts because they are lazy or selfish. Having gifts entails a responsibility. “To whom much is given, much will be expected.”

·         According to the grace given to us. Remember that grace is not earned, but simply given, sometimes in abundance by the Giver of all good gifts. Ask for help to discern your particular grace, your particular gift, and how you might share it with others. It is also important to realize that each person has different gifts. Don’t expect others to be like you. Be patient with those who do not share your particular gifts, for it may be that God has given you the grace to be able to serve those same people.

·         Finally, realize that God loves all of us, and gives us gifts so that we can take care of one another. Learn to recognize and celebrate the gifts that others have. Do not give way to jealousy and envy. One monk is much better at hospitality than I am. Another monk is the most generous person I know. And another monk has a green thumb, while I can’t even manage to keep a cactus alive. Put all the monks together with all their gifts, including mine, and we have a beautiful and gifted community. The beauty is based on all of us together. Such is the same with every Christian community. Celebrate it.