Growing In Faith

~ Our Gospel today has always perplexed me, as Jesus comes across far less humble than I’m used to hearing him speak. Can you imagine: someone walking into the synagogue in their hometown to read Scripture aloud, then sitting down and announcing “That’s about me.” Ok, man.
It may not have been the humility I’m used to hearing, but Jesus wasn’t wrong. That passage, while describing the kind of society God wants to build for us on earth (one where the poor are greeted warmly, captives are freed and forgiven, people are healed from maladies, and those oppressed are lifted up), also prophesies that someone will come to help make that true. Christ first; then, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, the rest of the Church
after.
The thing is, building such a world takes as wide a variety of gifts as there are people in the world, so thank God it’s a mission he’s given our whole Church, with all our different parts. I am consistently in awe of the variety of gifts I see in those around me. I see people who are good at thinking through processes, envisioning spaces, planning days, asking interesting questions, learning information quickly, and engineering solutions. People are gifted at creating fun in mundane situations, creating beauty from nothing with music and art, breaking down complex ideas into simple bits to be taught to children, and finding patterns in complex data. I could sit here and marvel at the talents of others forever – often gifts that I didn’t even know were a gift with which someone could be bestowed! The uniqueness of God’s image in each of us is truly remarkable.
The second reading today reminds me to rejoice in the gifts of community members and to rejoice in my own gifts. Though I am more likely to see the areas in which I am lacking, I am assured that 1) I have been given gifts and 2) my talents were given to me with purpose, so I would be wise to acknowledge and use them. It’s good, sometimes, to be reminded of that.
This is the Body of Christ: we are all unique, and yet, not truly whole on our own. By noticing and using each person’s God-given gifts with gratitude – no matter how seemingly insignificant those gifts may be – we can bring God’s grace to those around us and turn our world into a better place. Never undersell your own place in that world. I am grateful for you.
Throughout the year, we present an article in the bulletin each week on a variety of topics, written by a member of our Parish staff or ministries on a rotating basis.