The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
A testament to the Glory of God.
In today’s readings, we hear about all the incredible events that transpired at Pentecost: the tongues of fire, people hearing in their own languages, everyone coming together in Christ’s name, and the amazement everyone felt at such events. The awe of the power and glory of God.
As a middle school teacher, I find the glory of God in my students, and especially love exploring the gifts God has given each of them. I find such joy in forming relationships with each child and reflecting on who they are as a child of God and a brother or sister in Christ. I encourage them to spend time trying to discern what special gifts God has given them and how they can use these gifts to serve Him and His Church. In my eighth grade Theology class, I designed a project for students to learn about charisms. We learn about what charisms are and how God has given us these special gifts that the Holy Spirit helps us to implement in our lives. Then we take an inventory and they answer questions related to topics and tasks they like or dislike. After a lengthy number of questions, they go through a scoring process to see which charisms scored highest. As each student discovers the charisms God has given him or her, the air is tingling with excitement and anticipation. After this revelation, students need to complete a project based on their charism. Historically, this is one of the most looked forward-to projects in all of middle school: because who doesn’t want to know about the incredible gifts God has given you specifically and use it for good?!
Throughout the years of doing this project, I have had students with the charism of craftsmanship create beautiful faith-filled objects: paintings of Mary, favorite Scripture verses carved and stained in a piece of wood, and wooden crosses. Other students with the charism of hospitality hosted Bible studies: bringing in treats, being welcoming, and leading a faith-based discussion of the Bible in class. Still other students wrote and sang songs worshipping God. This is all a beautiful demonstration of fruitful discipleship and truly living out God’s gifts, just like what was done on Pentecost.
Today, reflect on your own charisms and what God has given to you. How can you use them to serve Him and build His Kingdom?
Lord, thank you for showing us your glory and allowing us to be in awe of you. Thank you for the charisms you have given each of your children and the blessings that come from them. Lord, thank you: because only you can give gifts this good. Amen.
Emily is a Catholic middle school Theology, history, and language arts teacher. She obtained her Master’s degree from the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity and loves living out her faith. Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and country music.