We love gifts. Receiving and giving gifts is a happy activity. We give gifts to those we are fond of and receive gifts, hopefully, because others are fond of us. When we intend to spoil our loved ones, we often look for an item that they would appreciate, use and love. We might get them something they mentioned
in conversation that they wish to have or are without. We want the people we are gifting to know we understand their needs and pay attention to them. We want them to know that we value them.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul reminds us that God's gifts and call are irrevocable. The Lord makes the same considerations, and more, as we do when gifting. The gifts
of God are both personal and universal. God gives what I truly desire, this will be clear if I am honest with myself and God. His gifts cannot be taken back or away by anybody else. However, I do believe that there's a manner in which we are invited to use these gifts. To preserve them, for the fruits to be visible to others around us and to God.
St. Ignatius in the
Spiritual Exercises (#23) reminds us that everything we have is a gift from the Creator, and we ought to use these gifts in so far as they help us to praise, reverence and serve God. The gifts are related to our call. Where God calls us, he also gives us the tools we need to respond to the call. How we respond will always be left to our free will.
Think of the
many gifts you have received. What is your relationship with these many gifts? How are you using these gifts to help you praise, reverence and serve God?
Reflections by Morongoa Selepe
