St. Paul: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit –Service

Amongst humanity there are those who believe in mythological stories, as also, there are those who interpret the Sacred Scriptures and the teaching of the Church according to their personal preference. They do not know that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are given only to those who believe with a deep faith, and, to those who are in complete communion with the Church .... and of all these gifts bestowed upon the believer is the conviction that Jesus Christ is true God: "No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit." (1Cor. 12:3)

The Holy Spirit distributes gifts which differ from one believer to another. Such gifts are given by God from on high and with them He bestows power and understanding: "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit." (1Cor 12:4) The Apostle, Paul, teaches that "there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one" (1 Cor 12: 5-6). They who have received the gift of service must consider themselves servant of God in every task that is undertaken .... service in the Church, in the office or in the hospital, in teaching or in social work, in whatever work whatsoever - they serve God first when they serve humanity beloved of Christ and for whom He sacrificed Himself on the Cross.

In the Epistle for today (1Cor 4:9-16) Paul vividly describes the call of an apostle. He endures various deprivations and persecutions, and, with great irony he compares these with the qualities of those to whom he has announced the Good News, and, who suppose they have already achieved the Kingdom .... rather he advises them as his beloved children and urges them to imitate him.

Issam John Darwish BSO DD
Eparch

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