Is 45:1, 4-6 Ps 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10 1 Thes 1:1-5b Mt 22:15-21

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

“I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not.
I am the LORD and there is no other, there is no God besides me.” Isaiah 45:5

What a powerful statement and a helpful reminder for each of us! We are each called as individuals who possess special gifts and talents. Under one God, we are called to share these gifts, and together have a powerful impact.
In high school, when asked what success meant to us many different insights and responses were given. Towards the end of the discussion, our teacher shared with us a new way to view success. Success was explained to us as using our privileged position to empower others. For some individuals that privileged position may be their financial well-being, for others the availability of time, and yet for another their intellectual abilities. Point being, each of us has the potential to be successful, using our unique talents and gifts to allow others the opportunities they deserve.

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers,unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Through using our privileged position (our gift from God) we work for God’s good and the good of those around us. Our labor of love has an impact beyond measure. It affects many individuals, some whom we may know well and other who we may never meet. Whether we realize it or not, we are having an impact in accord with God’s will, striving for the greater glory of God.

“At that he said to them,"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
Matthew 22:21