Posted by Mary Hilger on 11th Feb 2010
Here is a reflection on our call from God, our giftedness by the Holy Spirit, our serving in imitation of Christ. A talent is a natural ability or a special aptitude. A talent is a gift one has received that helps one to accomplish a task. There are different gifts, but the same God who produces all of them in every person. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit is given to each person to benefit others. The many gifts that God gives us come from His grace. The talents one possesses are a gift from God! The Spirit's gifts operate in the ordinary, and ordinary service is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us, "He did not come to be served, but to serve."(Mark 10:45) As we give ourselves in service using our gifts of the Spirit, we need to imitate Christ. God works through us, using us as His instrument to produce results. The many gifts and services reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we allow God to work through us, we manifest the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is not only true for extraordinary gifts like miracles or healing, but also for everyday acts of almsgiving, acts of kindness, or acts of mercy. These works of love are also an imitation of Christ. "Since we have been given gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them." (Rom 12:6) Talents are abilities we have been given by God, to be used in service of God and service of one another. Our gifts and talents are the result of God's love and grace. In using these gifts we imitate Christ. God is working through us to accomplish His Will.