The First Letter to Timothy 4 has these words of advice for its readers: Do not neglect the gift that is in you. We all have gifts which are meant to be opened and shared. We can ignore them or put them in the closet but we may miss our purpose if we do that. I know that sharing gifts make us vulnerable. Look at Luke’s Gospel where the woman who was a sinner has her gifts of service, love and compassion called into question. People can be quick to judge and call forth our faults but that vision is short-sighted.

Jesus may have had to contain his anger when he asked Simon if he could speak. He highlights this woman’s actions compared to his host’s and narrows her gift to having shown great love. Jesus sees with the eyes of the soul, not of the mind. This woman who is nameless does not neglect her gift of love and gratitude. She exudes hospitality and compassion. She has deep insight about what is to come.

Jesus needed her gift that day and he needs ours too. Will you not neglect yours?

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions:

What gifts are you neglecting? Why?
How might you stop people from claiming and using their gifts?

Prayer

Jesus, Giver of Gifts,
Help me to claim mine
and use them for your glory.
Let me not neglect my gifts
because others do not see them
or out of fear that I am not enough.
Grant me grace to be your servant.

Amen.