19 November, Wednesday — What I Do With What the Gifts He Gave Me

Wednesday of Week 33 in Ordinary Time

2 Mac 7:1,20-31
Lk 19:11-28

“I tell you, to everyone who has will be given more…”

Brothers and sisters, in the Parable of the talents, Jesus says, “…to everyone who has will be given more.” It is a reminder that what we do with the gifts we have been given matters; not just the grand gestures, but the quiet, faithful ones too.

Today, on my wedding anniversary, that line takes on a tender meaning. Marriage itself is a gift, a talent entrusted to our care. It is something that grows only when we choose to invest in it. Love multiplies when it is used, not when it is stored away.

My husband is not Catholic, but he has always supported me in my faith and choir ministry. He listens when I compose tunes for the psalms, when I rehearse for Mass, and he joins in for my fellowship with the choir. He does not always understand everything, but he sees how alive I become when I compose, sing or engage my ministry members. Slowly, I have come to see that this too is a way of sharing the faith.

I used to wonder if my little acts of faith made any difference. But this Gospel reminds me that grace multiplies when we offer it, however small. The Lord does not ask me to convert hearts by force. He asks me to be faithful with what I have been given: my voice, my marriage, my witness.

And so, I thank God especially for the talents He has placed in my hands – the gift of my husband, the gift of music that opens hearts, and the gift of faith that keeps asking me to give more trust, more patience and more love. Because when we use what God gives us, He always gives more in return.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Stacey Fernandez)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have entrusted me with love, music and faith that grows when I share it. Help me to be faithful with these gifts, to keep singing, giving and loving. Amen.

Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for the gifts you have placed in my life. You have given me much and still You give more. Teach me to live generously so that all You have given me may return to You in joy. Amen