Joys from talents, achievements should help faithful realize how God gifted them - Rev. Fr. Canto

via Valence Paul Ymmanuel Domingo, Junior Staffer, and Marianne Joyce Mag-isa, OD President

From the Gospel according to Luke 10:17-24, the 72 disciples returned to Jesus rejoicing because of what they were able to do in His name. But Jesus reminded them that their greatest joy should not come from their talents and achievements, but from knowing that they are gifted by God. This reminds us to stay grounded and grateful, especially when we experience success.

During Fr. Carlo Rey Canto, OP.’s homily, he emphasized that everything people have is from God. That they do not “own” everything that they have; therefore, all the praise and honor belongs to Him. He said that people are not really the ones who are being praised, but the Lord who made it all possible to happen.

“We should also see why we do have our respective talents, why we do have our own persons. Hindi basta-basta umusbong na lamang… mayroong pinanggalingan ang lahat ng mayroon tayo—maging ang ating talento, ang ating hininga, at ang ating buhay,” he said.

(We should also see why we do have our respective talents, why we do have our own persons. These did not just came out of the blue... all of what we have came from a source - even our talents, the [air] we breathe, and our life).

Fr. Canto also highlighted the importance of being grateful and being appreciative of things that the Lord have given people. That they must learn to thank Him because they would not be able to achieve those things if it were not for Him.

“Magalak ka sapagkat ang pangalan mo ay nakasulat sa libro doon sa langit,” he added.

([You should] be glad because your name is already written in the book of Heaven).

Here, he wanted to remind the faithful to not be dependent on all the praises that they receive on Earth. People should rejoice not because of being recognized as “themselves”, but because their name is written in the book of heaven.

The Gospel encourages the Dominican faithful to reflect on where they find their true joy and fulfillment. Like the 72 disciples, they may also feel proud of the things they accomplish, especially when their talents and efforts are recognized by others.

However, Jesus reminds people that these gifts are not theirs alone. Everything they have is a blessing from God. This calls the believers to remain humble and to use what they have rightfully and not only for their success, but also to serve God and other people around them.

As Dominicans continue the 32nd Family Rosary Crusade, may they learn to look beyond the praise and recognition they receive. They must always remember that God made everything possible. They may differ in their talents, experiences, and abilities, but the faithful are all united by the same God who gifted them with the blessings.#