It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice. — Hosea 6:6 

Mass readings: Hosea 6:1-6 / Luke 18:9-14 

Talented and Humble 

Today’s Gospel has the familiar verse that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” As I look back on my life and think about the people I’ve known whom I admired — the ones who in some way or another influenced me — each had developed a talent and each had the virtue of humility. 

They recognized that a talent (for being a parent or teacher or writer, for example) came with the responsibilities of developing it and using it. And they never lost sight of the fact that it was a gift and who the Giver was. That was the key to their humility. That’s how Jesus was “meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29). 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me use the talents You’ve given me as You want me to use them.