Unite Us All

A Reflection on the Second Reading for January 20, 2019:
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

​CORINTHIANS 12:4-11

​Brothers and sisters:
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;
to another, the expression 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, mighty deeds;
to another, prophecy;
to another, discernment of spirits;
to another, varieties of tongues;
to another, interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these,
distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

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I find it striking, the way Paul focuses on the oneness that our spiritual gifts are meant to signify. Our gifts are given to enhance the unity of God’s people — not to create division or discord — which sometimes happens when we forget the Giver and the purpose of His gift. One gift builds on, and maybe even depends upon the other. It is one gift divided among many for the unity and good of all, and for the building up of the entire family of GOD. 

"It is one gift divided among many for the unity and good of all,
​and for the building up of the entire family of GOD."

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As different and varied as the gifts are, so are the people who receive them. It makes sense then, that they will be used differently according to our ability to discern what God is calling us to. This discernment process calls us to reflect on the reasons for which GOD has gifted us with our special abilities.  

Surely they’re not to make us feel special or important unto ourselves, but rather to make others feel special, important, needed, wanted, and loved. Attached to our spiritual gifts is a great responsibility to use them in accordance with God’s will.  

As I sit and ponder the gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon me, I come up with: wisdom (a tad), faith (for sure), and discernment of spirits (somewhat). I am both humbled and grateful for these spiritual gifts. Humbled because as much as they reflect how life has formed me, I didn’t earn them. Rather, my heart has been softened by God to receive what He, in His great wisdom, hopes I will use to enhance His merciful love and compassion in my little part of the world. 

What a privilege. 

Scripture says that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. Not my benefit, but for the benefit of others. I take that seriously and I am truly grateful to be given a small share of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I am always open to receiving more and to discern where God is calling me to use them for the benefit of others. 

Let us Pray:
That each of us will always be open to receiving our special spiritual gifts and that we will use them to reflect the benefit of others. For the times we have not taken seriously the gifts which flow from Your Holy Spirit, or we have used them selfishly, we seek Your forgiveness and pardon, Lord. 

It’s truly explosive when the God in me unites with the God in You! Lord, may we do ALL which You call us to do for the purpose of bringing forth Your love and unity and good for all Your people. Amen.

Patricia Cosgrove

Photo credit: Corey Robinson

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