“Love one another”
(John 15:9-17) 

 “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God”  (1 John 4:7-10) 

In the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 10:44-49) we read that the Apostles accepted everyone because God accepted everyone. 

God has given us a beautiful world in which to live. It has everything we need to live and prosper.  We have been made stewards of God’s world and have a responsibility to use it for the benefit of all. 

God has also endowed each of us with creative gifts. Because the talents and abilities of each are different, and limited, it is necessary for us to cooperate in order to survive and prosper. Selfishness is a destructive force in God’s creation. And since we are limited in our talents, selfishness is self-destructive as well. 

We, as Christians, are called to be disciples of Jesus. We are called to find in ourselves the talent or ability which will best compliment those of our brothers and sisters and use it to the benefit of all.  Just being aware of others and their needs will go a long way in being a disciple. 

We can all become links in the “Circle of Giving” by accepting a gift without being obligated to the giver, and then becoming a giver when we see a need. We can give without expecting anything in return, knowing that the recipient will do the same for someone else. 

During this Easter season, you have been hearing about parish ministries. They are called ministries because their purpose is to provide an opportunity for us to share our gifts and talents with those who need them.  There is something that each of us can do. Think about it. 

Be a disciple by using your God given talents. Let God’s love shine through you and be a part of God’s creative plan. 

God loves you! … Pass it on. 

Don Plefka
5/1/2000