Tag Archives: gifts

Educating for the Lived Gospel #148

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (Ps 9:1)

We live in a time when it is easy to fool ourselves into thinking that we have ultimate control over lives. By acknowledging that all we are and all we have is gift from God, we put matters into their proper persecutive. It also allows us to cultivate an attitude of graitude – giving thanks for the goodness in our lives to the source of all good, God.

Thus, we have a two-fold task with the young people in our care. Firstly, we need to demonstrate that we are people who are thankful to God – in word and action. Given the normal ups and downs of life, we should be people who shine ‘good news’. Secondly, we need to give our young people opportunities to reflect upon the reasons that they have to be thankful. Service activities and/or immersion programs can bring such a message home quite strongly without us having to preach.

Have a great week!
Patrick

Educating for the Lived Gospel #136

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 Cor 12:4-7)

There are some people who might find the notion that they have gifts revelatory. There are also times when our self-esteem can take a battering; when we don’t feel we have anything to offer. It is also important to note that there is a distinct difference between being self-assured and egotistical. But the key to this quote is that our God-given gifts are ‘for the common good’ – they are given through the Holy Spirit whose coming at Pentecost we celebrate this week. How am I using my gifts to build community? Are there new ways to use my gifts?

We have an important role to play with young people. They can be caught up in a world of celebrity – where the ‘special one’ seems so distant. This focus, coupled with a developing ego, means that our role is to affirm our faith that we are each special in God’s eyes and to affirm the goodness in young people at every opportunity.

Have a great week!
Patrick