Look around your church and you will see many gifts. You will see those who sing and those who read, those who preach and those who greet. You will see some who feed the hungry and others who serve on committees. You will see some who decorate and others who converse. Some have a gift for leading prayer, for parenting children, or for making people feel at home. Everybody has some gift.

Still, not all gifts are equal. Some people excel at their gifts. Others exercise them less capably. The quality of the gift is not that important, but it is important to exercise the gift, whatever its extent may be. The use of our gifts releases the power of the Spirit.

God gives gifts for a reason. They are meant to be nurtured and used. Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” When used properly, they draw attention to God who gives, not to the person who has received.

The manifold gifts within one community show the marvels of the Holy Spirit. When people share their gifts, they create a spirit of selflessness and inspire others to service. They help everyone appreciate the goodness of God, who gives even before we ask.

When people look at you, they also see gifts. For which gifts are you most grateful? How do you share them?

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2004, Archdiocese of Chicago