Access daily Mass readings, meditations and articles, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber or logging in. Subscribers: Please log in to view the Mass readings and listen to audio. Not a subscriber? Subscribe for only $12 (Save $4). Grace was given to each of us. (Ephesians 4:7) In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us that Jesus has given each of us special gifts—a unique combination of particular skills and abilities that he hasn’t given anyone else. How do you react when you hear those words? You might think, “Not me; I’m not gifted.” Maybe you don’t know how to discover your talents, or you think it’s not humble to acknowledge what you’re good at. But Jesus has been equally generous in filling all of us with his gifts—including you! So what kinds of gifts are we talking about? Paul describes many charisms: prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). In another letter, he lists gifts of healing, assistance, and administration (1 Corinthians 12:28). These gifts may seem beyond you. But they get worked out in very practical ways. You might have an outgoing personality and find it easy to talk to people; that could make you a good evangelist or encourager. Maybe you love reading and study or are good at explaining things; you could be a good teacher or catechist. And if your heart goes out to those who are suffering, even though you can’t provide physical help, you might be a powerful intercessor. Notice that in the examples above, your gifts are not just for yourself. Paul says that they are “for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:12-13). That means the Lord has a role for you to play, and he has given you specific talents to help you do it. It also means that the body of Christ wouldn’t be the same without you! God has called you and enabled you to make a real contribution to his Church. He has poured out grace and equipped you for a mission that will build up your brothers and sisters in Christ. You are a gift to the Church, and God delights in seeing you exercise the abilities he’s given you. “Thank you, Lord, for the gifts you have given me.”
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop (Optional Memorial)
DAILY MASS READINGS AVAILABLE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION
Daily Meditation: Ephesians 4:7-16
Psalm 122:1-5
Luke 13:1-9