Epiphany II 22nd January 2025 

A couple of verses from 'Under the Tree' by John Mole 

Under the tree, without a sound, 

The parcels pass themselves around 

And smile inside, not unaware 

Of all the reasons they are there. 

'Smile not unaware of all the reasons they are there.'

By now your tree will have been long gone. The presents? Well almost forgotten except the unexpected one, that was what you really wanted. Last week we celebrated the Epiphany and admired the gifts the Magi brought or handed over. Gold for kingship, frankincense for priesthood and myrrh for anointing. Costly, rich gifts for the Christ child and the template for our present giving at Christmas. Yet, in the frenzy of Christmas gifting we are often apt to forget the presents that God regularly and freely bestows upon us? 

St.Paul reminds us today, that we should not be ignorant of the gifts and talents we have each been blessed with. How did you come to discover that you had them? Who helped you to this discovery? How do you use your talents? And are you using them to their best advantage? If not, I suspect that you are feeling somewhat frustrated. If this is the case, then do something about it because not to use your God given gifts is to deny God's creative force within you. You will have been given your talents for a reason; and once you find that reason your talents will flow. 

Using our gifts is vital, not only to our own well being but for the well being of our friends, families and communities. For when we use our gifts we spark the gifts of God within others and encourage them to be creative as well. In doing so we learn how to work together and encourage each other in enabling each other to reach our full potential as human beings. Listen to God s promptings over the coming weeks and months and then respond to them as you become aware of the reasons why your gifts are there and as the poem says; ‘smile’.