If you were asked, “What gifts do you have?” you might think that you were being asked what presents you received on your last birthday or for Christmas last year.

You probably think about gifts as things that are bought at the store.

In the Gospel, Jesus is not speaking about something that you can buy, He is talking about you, and the gifts that you have on the inside.

They are not something that you find at the mall or in the supermarket.

These gifts are free from God, and we all have them.

Think about your family and the people in your life that love you. What do they do that makes you happy? Do your Mom and Dad tuck you in at night and give you a kiss? The love that they show you is a gift from God. Do they comfort you when you are hurt? Do they understand you when you have a problem? Do they support you when you feel sad? Do they take care of you?

All of their love, understanding, caring, and support are gifts that they have.

Now, what are your gifts? Can you make someone feel better by giving them a smile or a kind word? Do you help out when someone needs you?

Think about all of the kind things that you do and remember that you are able to do them because God has given you many gifts.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us very clearly that we are to use the gifts that we are given. We use them to make the world a better place and to spread the Christian message of love.

As we begin to think about gifts and giving, always remember that the very best gifts that you receive are from God and that these gifts multiply when we share them with others.

Gospel Reading - Matthew 25:14-30