Prayer

“Lord, give success to the work of our hands” (Psalm 89)

No one creates themself and no one keeps themself in existence. The readings from Scripture at the Year 11 Liturgy of the Word on Wednesday afternoon,  reminded us that we are ‘fashioned from the dust of the soil’ (Gn 2:7) and that wisdom is knowing “the shortness of our life” (Ps 90:12). That God “caused to spring up from the soil every kind of tree, enticing to look at and good to eat” (Gn 2:9) shows how everything is given to us. 

God is also the author of our gifts and talents. But for what purpose does He endow us with them? Indeed, our gifts and talents help us to enjoy our life. We can employ our skills to make money for the things that we need for living. They give us a sense of identity and something to work towards. They lead to our having a place in community and society.  

However, has God endowed us with unique qualities just for our individual benefit? Considering we depend on others' generosity and skill, it's safe to assume there will be people depending on ours. Your individual and unique qualities fill in where others are deficient. People are depending on you. God has not given you your talents for nothing. Ask yourself;  have I done my best? Have I made the sacrifices necessary so that my gifts and talents are developed enough to be of service? 

Be at peace though, Jesus in the Gospel says ‘‘Do not worry [about] what you are to eat, what you are to drink and how you are to be clothed”. While He lists physiological needs, it is just as true in terms of our personal qualities, gifts and talents. When you are in your exams or having to meet some measure, remind yourself that God has made you for this moment, you are enough and your gifts and talents are enough. You don’t have to be more than you possibly can be or feel pressure to perform beyond your capacity. 

Finally,  As much as honing your skills for a prosperous future is thrilling, preparing for exams, you’ll agree, is a trial. Since there is no avoiding it, make your suffering count for something good. Unite your toil and sacrifices in your studies to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Making the sacrifices for your’s and society’s future benefit is worthy but united to Jesus, your works, joys and sufferings take on a supernatural quality. Your life was made to participate in Christ’s life, most specifically His work of redemption and the building of His Kingdom on earth. The saints in heaven did this and at Kildare we walk among the legacy of their supernaturally inspired efforts everyday. They did it for us. We can do it too. 

David Chaston | Acting-Leader Of Mission & Faith Formation.