"The Fruit of Discipleship"

"Indeed, God with his call reaches the call of each individual, and the Spirit, who abides deep within each disciple (cf. 1Jn 3:24), gives himself to each Christian with different charisms and special signs.  Each one, therefore, must be helped to embrace the gifts entrusted to him as a completely unique person, and to hear the words which the Spirit of God personally addresses to him."

- Pastores Dabo Vobis

Today I just want to reflect a little on discerning charisms.  Truthfully, I have never participated in a "Called and Gifted" workshop- though I would be interested to.  What I know of my own gifts came mostly as a result of, well, listening.

When I was younger, occasionally I would watch my brother and two of my cousins who were about his age.  I liked to play school, to organize scavenger hunts for them, to give them ideas.  OK, I was also bossy.  As a young teenager I heard several times different variations of "you would make a good teacher." I was receptive to this idea because I loved, and had a great deal of respect for the teachers I had.  Sure enough, it came time for college, and no surprise, I signed up as an education major.  What was a surprise is that over the next three years, I discovered something- I was not terribly interested in my education classes, and as a result my grades were... less than stellar. 

At that point a good friend suggested something: why not try religious education?  Though I never would have thought of it, there was an instant 'click,' of something being right.  It made sense, I had always enjoyed my religion/theology classes, and had been fairly involved in a few different youth groups.  I made the switch and immediately noticed the difference, and not just in my grades.  This is what engages me, inspires me, and challenges me to grow.

We talked in the book study about the difference between a charism and a talent... Sherry Weddell tells us that "a charism is a "favor" or (in Thomas Aquinas's terminology) a "gratuitous grace" given to build up the Church and to witness Christ to the world" (pg.92).  But that was not terribly helpful in and of itself- we were still thinking in terms of "talent".  So we looked at a list of 'common' charisms: evangelism, encouragement, teaching, wisdom, healing, intercessory prayer, hospitality, administration, leadership, mercy, and giving to name a few.  Suddenly we understood the "favor" part, this is not something you inherit or can "develop" the same way you might a talent for art or sports, or music.  These are also things that are meant to "expand outward," they are for others. 

Sometimes charisms show themselves in situations in which they are needed, sometimes they manifest themselves gradually as a person's relationship with Christ deepens, but all of us have been given these gifts.  I want to encourage you to consider what your gifts, your charisms might be.  Think on the patterns of your life, the things people have said, even off-hand, and what you yourself notice.  Also, do not be afraid to affirm other's gifts- especially in the young. Sometimes hearing it can plant the seed to help that person grow in confidence to use the gifts they have been given.  Knowing your gifts, and being centered in the source of those gifts, can lead to an unimaginable sense of purpose, creativity and initiative.