Hello Friends,
Sometimes I can make the mistake of thinking that I don’t have gifts or talents that can be of any value.
While it might be true that I don’t have the gifts and talents I might desire – for instance, I am not multi-lingual as I struggle to speak in other languages; nevertheless, I do have gifts and talents that have worth that can help others. All of us do.
Each one of us has been blessed by God with various wonderful gifts. It may not be gifts that will lead us to the top of our fields or bring us earthly fame and fortune, but God has given you and me valuable gifts and talents that can be used to build up the Kingdom of God.
I recall many years ago when I was an undergrad one of my professors asked me if I would help a classmate who was struggling with the course material. I guess my good grades made my prof think I could help someone else with their studies. I don’t think I ever saw myself as being able to do something like that, but I did it and it was a great experience. Not only did I get to know someone who I hadn’t really connected with before, but I actually helped someone with a talent I was blessed to have been given.
Our God-given talent and ability - our “wealth” - is valued at its best when used to build up God by building up others.
That is what this Sunday’s Gospel is pointing out. The steward or business manager seems pretty problematic and is in some trouble - but he figures out how to use his ingenuity and abilities to help others as well as himself. Jesus doesn’t praise him for his dishonesty, but rather for using his cleverness and resourcefulness to better a situation that also betters others.
How do you use your gifts and talents?
You don't have to wait until you finish earning the degree you're working on. You can use your gifts and talents right now.
Whatever skills, talents, knowledge, or “wealth” you and I already possess, it’s value is lessened if you and I don’t let the Love of God, the Holy Spirit, lead you and me, strengthen you and me, and help you and me to be a light of Goodness, an instrument of God’s Love - to use the blessings and gifts you and I have been given by God – truly our wealth - all that we have, to build up others in Love.
That is what is so good. We already have within us what it takes to be of service to God now. The question is – are you and I willing to share our “wealth” or do we hold on to it?
Let us continue to pray for each other that we always be generous with the gifts and talents that God has given us.
As always, if there is anything we can do for you at UB Catholic campus ministry, please let me know. We are here for you.
May God bless you with Peace and All Good.
Fr. Greg
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