Tonight’s second reading comes from 1 Corinthians; St. Paul talks about all the wonderful gifts that God has given to us. As a cantor, I am very blessed with the musical voice that God has given me, and very fortunate that Campus Ministry allows me to cantor. This gift God has given me has brought me great joy throughout my life. Singing in choirs, musicals, and at Mass has brought so much happiness in my life. One particular phrase in this reading that caught my attention was, “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” God gives us all unique gifts that make us who we are. However, there is an important reason why we are given these gifts. As you have heard many times before, God has a divine and special plan for each one of us. Part of this plan requires using the gifts that the Lord has given us. God has given me the gift of singing, and the courage to sing in front of a large group of people, so that I may lead the Mass in songs of praise and worship. Singing in front of everyone at mass can be very nerve wracking at times. Even though I know that if I make mistakes, no one will judge me, I still get nervous. However, I remind myself that I cantor for God. I am using the gift that God has given me to serve him. One of the most important parts of receiving the Holy gifts God has given to us is the joy we get when we use them. At the end of every Mass I cantor, I feel an intense joy knowing that God is pleased with me.

I would like to encourage everyone going forth from tonight’s Mass to take some time and thank God for all the gifts that He has given them. I would also like to encourage everyone to think about the joy they have received from using these gifts, and how they can continue to use these gifts in the service of God and the community. The Lord gave us these gifts for a special reason. If you’re a student at Neumann, I encourage you to use your gifts to help with the Sunday Mass. Singing is not the only way you can serve God in the Mass (although if you do sing I highly recommend that you cantor). There are other ways to help with the Mass, including helping with the readings, and becoming a Eucharistic Minister. If you are considering helping out with the Mass, talk to Patrick or Maria from Campus Ministry and find out about all the ways you can help. The Lord is calling us all to do marvelous deeds with our gifts, but it is up to us to use them.