"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
(1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
God's creation is marvelously diverse. Today, nearly 8 billion people inhabit the Earth, each distinct in personality, knowledge, abilities, interests, goals, and aspirations. In today's reading, St. Apostle Paul reveals that God has also called each of us to a unique mission in this life and blessed us with distinct spiritual gifts and graces.
Each one of us is graced with a unique talent that we ought to express and put into service for the greater good. (cf. Ephesians 4:7). However, we often focus on the talents we do not possess, and as a result, we become discouraged because of the things we do not have. This leads to the pitfall of comparing ourselves to others, which prevents us from moving forward with what we have. We may say to ourselves, "See how she is so graceful in her talents. But I do not have that skill. I am without this talent." This change in focus immobilizes us for the task which is set before us.
There is no need to compare ourselves to others. Every human being is unique in his or her talents. Our faces, eyes, hands, fingerprints, and even our heartbeat cannot be replicated . This uniqueness is God's design for human beings He created in His image and likeness. Each person is exceptional and is called to a specific mission here on this Earth. But when God calls each of us to a particular mission or task, He also empowers and equips us to accomplish our work successfully. The Apostle says, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone." (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
Therefore, with a joyful heart, let us express our gratitude to our Lord, the sustainer of all things and who freely and abundantly grants us the gifts of His Spirit. From the depth of our hearts, may we plead to Him to open the eyes of our souls to see the unique mission to which He has called us in this life, to express the gift that He grants us with His Holy Spirit in the service of God's glory and for the common good.
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