We all have “things” to learn from others, regardless of where we are in life. We have been reminded to be mindful of our callings in life, to appreciate the gifts we have been given and to remember that money, power and strength, used to put others down in life, do carry consequences. We need to remember that we will not be successful in and by ourselves if we forget about thanking and appreciating all that the Lord has provided for us. Reminding ourselves that “All good gifts” come from God will keep us grounded, humble, confident and prepared to grow and learn. In the Responsorial Psalm today we are reminded, “From heaven the Lord looks down; he sees all mankind” this reminds me of the importance of not just “saying” I believe in God but that I act and make decisions based on “ What Would Jesus Do.” Without truly living according to what we have heard and been taught our lives become shallow and empty. With belief and trust in God and by living according to God’s words we can come alive and embrace not only the triumphs but also the tragedies. I don’t know how many times I have heard or read today’s Gospel about God’s expectations for us to use our gifts and talents in order for these gifts/talents to be nourished and to grow. A recent situation lead to my sixteen-year-old saying, “Why is it that members of our family are always the helpers and not the helpees?” She went on to give examples of how various members of our family have “helped others”. While none of this sounded new to me, she revealed for me a talent/a gift many in my family possess. That ability to be present for people, the ability to listen and hear another, to help problem-solve, and to be a resource for others. In sharing this gift of being able to help others, we have in turn enriched our lives. This brief statement from my daughter brought the Gospel alive for me. By identifying a specific talent/gift, I now fully appreciate what God is asking me to do with that talent/gift. In “being there”, as the helper for others, I, in turn, am able to nurture and expand my abilities and insights knowing that these experiences with others have enriched me, expanded my gift and have helped confirm God’s love for me and for others. |