At first glance, today’s readings seem to offer a straightforward lesson about responsibility. Paul speaks of the responsibility entrusted to him to preach to the Gentiles and reveal the riches of Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds his disciples to remain watchful and prepared because, “…at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Discipleship carries with it a responsibility to be attentive, faithful, and ready to respond to God’s call.
As I reflected on these readings, I found myself thinking about a program my church recently offered titled “Called and Gifted.” The premise was simple but profound: each of us has been given unique gifts by God, and those gifts are not meant simply for our own benefit. They are meant to be shared with others and used to live out our personal mission with joy and purpose.
I think this is the heart of today’s readings for me: we are called, and we are gifted for that call. Paul recognized the particular mission entrusted to him. His gifts and experiences became the means through which God worked in and through him. In the same way, each of us has been given particular gifts, talents, experiences, and passions. The question is not simply, What am I good at? but rather, How is God inviting me to use what I have been given?
I also kept thinking about the familiar line from the Spider-Man series: “With great power comes great responsibility.” It seems surprisingly relevant to Christian stewardship. Our gifts carry responsibility. If God has given us the ability to teach, listen, lead, encourage, create, serve, or care for others, we are called to use those gifts in ways that reflect Jesus’ will.
The Gospel’s call to watchfulness takes on a deeper meaning in this light. Being ready for Christ is not simply about waiting for some future moment for Jesus to appear. It is about being attentive to the opportunities God places before us today. Where am I being invited to use my gifts? What needs around me am I uniquely equipped to respond to?
Ignatian spirituality invites us to look for God actively at work in our lives and to discern how we are being called to respond. Perhaps readiness for Christ is, in part, readiness to say yes when the invitation comes.
Today, I am challenged to consider my gifts with gratitude, but also with responsibility. What has God entrusted to me? How am I using those gifts? And where might God be inviting me to use them differently or more generously?
Margo Minnich
Margo Minnich, Associate Professor at Creighton University College of Nursing, integrates her passion for public health nursing and professional development with her commitment to Ignatian spirituality. Rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, she strives to live a life of service, compassion, and reflection, promoting holistic well-being in the communities she serves. In her professional work, Dr. Minnich aligns the core values of public health nursing with Ignatian principles, emphasizing social justice and the dignity of every person.
