Embracing the Gifts

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, January 19th, 2025:
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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1 Corinthians
12.4-11

​Brothers and sisters: 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. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

Have you ever considered the gifts Christ has given you? If I’m being honest, it has taken me a few years to truly understand this – “Why would He give me gifts?” I’ve wondered countless times while praying, and I was still left wondering what gifts were given to me, if any. I continued to pray for what seemed like a lifetime and finally started to understand and hear Christ. I began to understand through faithful sisterhood, community, and growing in trusting Christ.

As a woman, I find this reading particularly empowering. It encourages me to recognize and value the unique gifts I have been given and to use them to serve my family, the Church, and the wider community. Each is essential, whether it is the gift of teaching, healing, discernment, or another spiritual gift.

Throughout history, women have played vital roles in the Church, often using their spiritual gifts to nurture and sustain the faith community. From saints like Saint Teresa of Ávila, who reformed the Carmelite order, to modern-day women who serve as wives, mothers, educators, healthcare providers, and social justice advocates, the contributions of women are invaluable. I am reminded that the Holy Spirit bestows gifts without discrimination. For me, this reading affirms the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in faith. It calls us to ensure that women's voices and gifts are acknowledged and utilized for the benefit of our entire faith community.

While I am grateful for these gifts, I am still challenged to consider how I live out the gifts I received from the Holy Spirit. It prompts me to ask myself whether I am using my gifts for the common good and encouraging others to do the same. It is a call to action, urging me to be more intentional in my service and to seek opportunities to use my gifts in ways that build up the faith community.




Shelly Fillmore​

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