Can we offer our gifts for the greater good?
On the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we find ourselves in a moment of
transition and reflection. Christmas has ended, and we begin the Jubilee Holy
Year 2025, the “Year Pilgrims of Hope,” marked by Pope Francis’s opening of the
Holy Door on December 24th. The “Year Pilgrims of Hope” theme symbolizes our
collective journey towards a hopeful future. We are invited to open our hearts to
God and one another and embrace the hope this year brings. This is not just any
year but a Jubilee Year, a time of extraordinary grace and blessing when we are
called to a deeper relationship with God and each other.
The Holy Door is a profound symbol, representing a physical entry point and
a spiritual invitation to embrace God’s grace and mercy. As we contemplate this
invitation, we must ask ourselves: Are we willing to open the door of our hearts to
invite God into our lives? This is a crucial question as we seek to deepen our
relationship with the Divine during this Holy Year.
In the second reading, St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians remind us that we
are all part of a larger community, each endowed with unique spiritual gifts that
all come from the same Spirit. This unity in diversity is not just a concept but a
reality that makes our community strong and vibrant, with each of us playing a
significant role. As we reflect on our talents and abilities, we must consider how
to use them to assist others. Are we ready to offer our gifts for the greater good?
This is where the essence of love comes into play. Love is the driving force that
transforms our spiritual gifts into acts of service. It compels us to reach out to
those in need, to support our families, and to foster a sense of belonging within
our communities. In this “Year Pilgrims of Hope,” let us be mindful of how our
actions can reflect God’s love and grace. By bringing the gifts of the Holy Spirit
into our daily lives, we not only enrich our spiritual journeys but also contribute to
the healing and uplifting of those around us. This transformative power of love
should inspire us to act with compassion and empathy, knowing that our actions
make a difference.
Dear brothers and sisters, this Jubilee Year calls us to be agents of hope in a
world that often feels uncertain. By embracing and sharing our gifts, we can
create a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement. Whether through acts of
kindness, sharing our time, or offering our talents, each small gesture can
significantly impact us. May the Holy Spirit guide us in living our faith with love
and joy. In doing so, we can truly embody the spirit of the Jubilee, becoming
beacons of hope in our communities and reflecting the love of Christ in all that
we do.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor