May 19, 2002

The Scriptures for Pentecost Sunday give us the feeling that it is Christmas in May! There are more than enough gifts to go around. Every gift of the Spirit begs to be unwrapped and used. And, the best thing about these gifts is that they are meant to be shared.

This little girl wanted a bike for Christmas more than anything else in the world. Her parents didn't have enough money and she couldn't even dream that this would ever happen. Suddenly, in front of the stable, there it was! The gift she wanted was hers, and more gifts besides. Happiness, challenge, success, and the fun and pride of letting her friends ride her bike – all these came along with the unexpected gift. The gifts of the Spirit – WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, COUNSEL, FORTITUDE, KNOWLEDGE, PIETY, HEALING AND FEAR OF THE LORD are like that. Sometimes as in today's Scriptures, they arrive unexpectedly when we need them most. And, they always multiply when they are shared. Paul says the different gifts of the Spirit are "GIVEN FOR SOME BENEFIT." What does the community gain from the Christian sharing their gifts? We discover a new way of relating to one another with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When each of us unwraps and uses our gifts for the good of all, we all share in the wonderful fruits.

The ultimate fruit of the Spirit will be reconciliation and unity in our homes and communities, and among Churches, peoples, and nations just as these gifts and fruits come from the breath of one Lord. The one fire of the one Spirit, as the bread we break and share, comes from the one loaf and the wine from the cup, and so the purpose of the Spirits gift exchange is to gather all people into the one reign of the one God and Father of us all.

SO THE QUESTION: HOW ARE YOU CALLED TO USE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS OR TALENTS FROM THE COMMON GOOD?

 

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