This week we hear the story of the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus. Most Christians exchange gifts at Christmas, and people give gifts throughout the year for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Each of us has something to give and share that can help make the world a better place. The challenge lies in discovering what that gift is and choosing to use it.
God blesses each of us with different talents and treasures. We can choose to develop those gifts and help them grow, or we can ignore them. When we neglect our gifts, they fade like an untended flower. However, when we nurture them, they grow into something even greater. In the parable of the talents, the servant who invested his talents received more, while the one who buried his talent lost even what he had.
Some of the talents we receive allow us to build physical wealth. We all possess different amounts of treasure, but regardless of how much we have, we must share it with others. I grew up wanting to receive more than I wanted to give. As I have grown older, I have discovered far more joy in giving than in receiving. Giving can feel difficult because it requires sacrifice. Still, everything we have comes from God. No matter how much or how little we possess, we should always give something back to others and to God.
My heart softens when my kids say they want to give some of their own money to the Church or to a good cause. I never did that as a child, and I do not ask my kids to do it either. They choose to give on their own. I love the biblical story of the poor widow who gave her single small coin. While many others offered large sums, Jesus noticed her because she gave everything she had. We may not be called to give all that we own, but God calls each of us to give something.
Throughout my life, I have occasionally been around people who live with physical and mental disabilities, and they often give more to me than anyone else. They offer their innocence, their perseverance, and their joy in the midst of hardship. They show me how precious life truly is and remind me of what matters most. No one says that illness, disability, and death are gifts, but they can each help us to refocus on the true meaning of life.
What impact will you have on the world? What do you want to be remembered for? Each of us is born with a purpose, and that purpose is to become a saint. Even if the Church never formally declares us saints, we fulfill that calling if we reach Heaven. January often inspires New Year’s resolutions. This year, let us commit to using our gifts, talents, and treasures more fully so we can grow closer to one another, closer to God, and ultimately closer to Heaven.
