From Fr. Bob Barko: Recognizing Our God-Given Gifts

Today we receive a very poignant reminder…

“No one can receive anything
except what has been given from heaven.”

Do you ever wonder why you’re good at something?
Or, why someone else is good at something?

I so often tell students that their talents – their abilities – their strengths – are all gifts from God. Sometimes, we get so caught up in improving or enjoying our gifts, that we forget where the gift came from in the first place. I tell students that any gift – intelligence – athleticism – artistry – musicianship – acting – hospitality – you know them all… are gifts from God!

And, those gifts have very little to do with us. The seed planted in us to be able to…

• throw or catch a ball
• ace a test
• paint, sculpt or create art
• sing a song or
• play an instrument
• be a star on the stage
• be the one who enthusiastically gathers people
• manage an office
• perform surgery
• heal people
• grow a business
• represent legal clients or cases
• bring God to people through the Sacraments
• and, and, and…

Today we are challenged with the concept of authenticity. Do we get into the practice of acknowledging from where our gifts and blessings come?

“He must increase; I must decrease.”

It is through this constant prayer that we move, authentically, closer to God, receiving our gifts gratefully, honing them and lovingly sharing them. As I’ve said so many times… it’s all about Love.

Peace and all that is good!

Fr. Bob Barko, O.F.M.