Fr Matthew Reese

“Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” 
—1 Peter 4:8-11

Dear Friends in Christ,

Perched, as we are, in this period of staggering American consumerism between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I think today’s words from the First Epistle of Peter are especially apropos. 

“As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

I know in this parish family, I never cease to be amazed by the varieties of people’s gifts: their wealth of personal and professional experience which they put in service of the Church and of the world; their musical and artistic talent; their pastoral presence; their time—after all, time is one of the most precious resources we have. 

On Thanksgiving, we had a definite occasion to give thanks for the gifts which we have received in our own lives. (Surely, we should make time for that reflection every day). But I hope today we might think about those gifts which we have to offer. What are our own strengths and talents and passions? How might we use these God-given faculties and abilities in the service of others?

How can we be ever better “stewards of God’s varied grace?” How can we practice hospitality in some small way today?

There are a thousand ways to glorify God through our own gifts, our rendering of service, our unfailing love for one another.

As we enter this new Church Year, this season of preparation that is Advent, let us offer these gifts to one another and to God.

Yours in Christ,

—Fr Matthew