We are familiar with the story of the boy who wanted to bring a gift to Jesus at his birth.
He saw others bringing expensive gifts of
Gold, frankincense and myrrh;
He wondered what he had to offer,
and thought of his drum,
and how he could play a song
for Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

A simple story, and isn’t it true about
our gifts and talents?

Each of us has different qualities, gifts:
all are given by God and are valued in God’s love:
gifts of music, sport and art, of conversation and humour, of compassion and leadership;
Gifts of friendship, prayer and caring for others,
of listening and encouraging; whatever your gift, your talent; your gift of being a caring parent,
of being able to help a younger generation in any way; be grateful, each of us has a ‘bit of God’ within us: and each of us can offer to God in our love and care for others what he has given to us.

He looks on us, and loves each of us; sees us as we are and loves us, sees us as we can be and calls each of us, in our own personality and talents, to grow in love, to offer our talents in his service, and to become more like him.
Donal Neary S.J.