These past two Sundays we have heard from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians in our Second Reading from Sacred Scripture. We have been reflecting upon the twelfth chapter of this letter. This chapter has spoken to us about the different gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to the Church.

Reflecting upon this chapter is good for us to do during a time when individuality seems to be the
dominant theme in our culture. We all seem to want to put our own needs, wants, hopes dreams and concerns first in the world.

We live in a society that celebrates the individual. St. Paul tells us that we have all been given of the Holy Spirit. Each of us individually have been gifted with the Holy Spirit on the day of our baptism.

St. Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit gifts each of us with different gifts and talents. These gifts are given to
us, not for our own individual use, but for the good and betterment of the Church. Each of us is called to realize that we are to share our gifts with others. This week St. Paul speaks to us about the different gifts that are given to be shared with the community. The list shows us that we are all connected to one another by sharing in the Holy Spirit who is the giver of all gifts. Our gifts are given to us to be put at the service of others.

Let us take some time this week to reflect upon the gifts that we have been given by God. Let us thank our Lord for the many gifts that He has bestowed upon us and may we put these gifts at the service of our brothers and sisters in the Church and in the world.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!
Father Jim