Wellspring of Scripture

 

Year B: Trinity Sunday

Second Reading: Romans 8: 14-17

 

Every family has its share of extraverts and introverts and God’s family is no different. The Spirit of God makes us children of God but the way this happens varies from individual to individual. For some, the Spirit brings charismatic gifts of speaking in tongues or prophecy - for others it is a deep wisdom and understanding of the world and its people - for others it is a source of hidden strength which enables them to endure hardship and sorrow.

 

The gifts of the Spirit are given to build up the family of God in the world - through the Spirit we are claimed as sons and daughters of God. We may look at others and feel that others have more important gifts - and feel rather inadequate about our own. This is human nature - we are rarely satisfied! However, whatever the gift it is the right one for us - God knows our strengths and our weaknesses. God also knows our potential, often far greater than we could ever dream and only made possible by the graces and gifts of the Spirit and our willingness to take the risk of developing them.

 

But God does not just give gifts in order to make us useful slaves. God lavishes the gifts upon us simply because God is God and, like any loving parent, loves to share good things with His children.

 

This Spirit gives each one of us the dignity of being a son or daughter of God - the God who created the universe - the God who came into the world in the person of Jesus - the God who generously shares His Spirit with His creatures.

 

Our dignity does not mean that we will be untroubled - what it does mean is that we can face the troubles that are an inevitable part of life secure in that dignity. Whatever the world thinks of us - however esteemed we are - or seemingly invisible we are - we know that we are children of God. Through our difficulties and the world’s misunderstandings, we can turn our faces to God and “be radiant”. we are God’s children and through the grace of His Spirit can dare to call our Creator: Abba, Father.


 

What does it mean for me?

 

Waterlily

Reflect on the gifts that you have received - be honest!

How do your gifts complement those of others around you?

How can you cultivate a wholesome sense of of your dignity as a child of God.

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