“And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:28-30
One of my most popular retreats is Finding Your Purpose in God’s Plan. Throughout the day-long event, I use the stories of women from the Old Testament to prompt the retreat attendees to discover their talents and use them for the good of the Kingdom. For some, their talents are obvious, but for others, this is much harder than it seems. Or so they think.
Many of us spend years trying to discover what God wants from us, how we are to serve him, or simply what meaning there is to be found in our lives. I often hear women say, “I don’t have anything to offer,” “I’m not good at anything,” or “I don’t know what my gift or talent is.”
Designated for the Mission
Sisters, St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading, that the members of Christ’s body, His Church, WE have been designated, through our gifts, to further the mission. We all have gifts. We all have talents. Recall the parable of the talents in which the servant was admonished for burying his talents. Our meaning of the word talent comes directly from this Gospel! Talents are given to us as gifts from God to be used in service of our master.
Perhaps you don’t perform mighty deeds, heal the sick, or speak in tongues. That doesn’t matter. What matters is that you have been given a talent, a gift, from God. Re-read the words of St. Paul. He asks, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”
Small Things With Great Love
In other words, does everyone have some big, life-identifying talent that makes them stand out among others? No, of course not. We are not all meant to perform lofty deeds. Yet, we all have something to offer. As wives, mothers, sisters, and friends, we have the ability to heal, assist, administer, proclaim, and teach, even if it’s simply within the walls of our own homes. Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” It is the love of Christ that will allow us to discover our talents, to find our part in His plan.
Sister, you are called. You are worthy. You are a member of the Body of Christ, sent to aid the Kingdom through your talents, no matter how big or small it may seem.
First published January 26, 2025 at https://catholicvineyard.com/god-given-gifts/