The Gospel of Luke is an interesting one indeed. Imagine in today’s volatile stock market if we were each given 10 gold coins to invest. And more importantly, when the nobleman returned and we shared the results with him – “Sire, the market is down 30 percent and only seven gold coins remain”— it probably would have been met with an “Off with their heads!” command.

But let’s change this up a bit. Instead of a nobleman giving us 10 gold coins each, let’s talk about the unlimited gifts we receive each day from God through the Holy Spirit. What are we doing with these gifts? Are we the good and faithful servant, multiplying these gifts by how we lead our lives; or, are we squandering these precious gifts, and soon they will disappear and be beyond our grasp?

The Catholic Church identifies 12 such gifts from the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. Consider how much better the world would be, if we would remind ourselves each day of these precious gifts and work to grow them through the way in which we live our lives and interact with others.

If we were to exhibit more patience, kindness and gentleness to others, would not our example instill in the beneficiaries of our actions a like response, and in essence, grow our gift?

If we would be more generous with our time, talent and treasure, would not these charitable acts show others the joy and goodness that come from helping those in need?

If we tempered our conversation and listened more than we spoke on the hot-button issues of our times, would this modesty and self-control lead to a better understanding of one another?

So, as we go about our all too hectic lives, let’s remember not to waste our gifts, but to put our God-given gifts to good use, to grow these wonderful gifts by the example we provide to our family, co-workers, and friends. Through us, they might realize they, too, have these same wonderful gifts to benefit not only themselves but all with whom they come into contact.

More importantly, let our actions demonstrate to God that we are mindful of his endless generosity toward us and that we are not keeping his gifts hidden in a handkerchief, but rather, we are using them every day to show our gratitude and give him the honor and praise he so richly deserves.