second sunday in ordinary time

Receiving a gift is something very special.  We are remembered.  Appreciated.  It is a sign of love.  In our second reading this weekend in First Corinthians 12:4-11, St. Paul writes about spiritual gifts.  These gifts far exceed any gifts that we will ever receive here on earth, for they come from the Lord, our God.
 
These gifts are not meant to be kept for ourselves.  Rather, they are meant to be shared.  As members of the Church, the Church being the mystical body of Christ in our midst, each us of are called to share our gifts and to contribute to the body (the Church) of Christ.  Whether we are in elementary school, working, raising a family, caring and loving grandchildren, or what have you, each of us have been called.
 
These gifts enable Christ’s followers to serve and edify others, thereby creating greater unity in the Church.  St. Paul emphasized the gift of charity, which he characterized as being pure, unselfish love and concern for the well-being of others.  He taught that charity should govern the exercise of all other spiritual gifts in the Church.
 
Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.  The fruits of charity are joy, peace, and mercy.  These, my friends are what I want for each of us and those that we love. 
 
While we may be tired, we continue to navigate through these times with Christ as our guide.  May we be refueled by the Word of God and Body of Christ this weekend.  May we share our gifts with one another.  May the banners in our Church sanctuary remind us what we are called to do, every day.  All out of love.  When we seek the gifts of the Spirit, we bless others and strengthen the Church.  This is my prayer for us as a community of believers here at St. Julia.
 
May God bless and keep safe each of you and those that you love.
Fr. Greg