Given for the general good

“There are many different gifts, but it is always the same Spirit….. The particular manifestation of the Spirit granted to each one is to be used for the general good.  To one is given from the Spirit the gift of utterance expressing knowledge…. But at work in all there is one and the same Spirit, distinguishing them at will to each individual.”  (1 Corinthians 12: 4 – 11)

Every good gift and every talent is bestowed on us by the Holy Spirit.   It is possible to use our Spirit given gifts for the common good without being aware that we are doing so.  We become more effective when we identify our gifts, accept them gratefully and work to develop them.  Then we can use the gifts in a purposeful manner.  Since we receive the gifts from the Spirit, we ask the same Spirit to reveal to us what our gifts are.  Just as prayer demands effort, the task of uncovering our gifts could call for a sustained effort.  This is a task that is highly rewarding at the end.