“Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts…” (Exodus 35:30-31)

Moses goes on to describe the kinds of skills the Lord has given to Bezalel to make artistic designs with gold and bronze, to cut and set stones, and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship in constructing their first sanctuary. 

God gives to each person various talents, gifts and abilities that are peculiar to that person.  The examples are numerous – teachers, scientists, truck drivers, landscapers, cooks, entrepreneurs, executives, business owners, medical caregivers, computer programmers, writers, salespeople, various crafts people, housewives and mothers, etc.

To illustrate, we only need to look at our adult children.  After raising their children, one daughter serves as a campus minister at a major state university; another has been a high school language and history teacher; a third is a special education teacher; a fourth, who has a developmental disability, has worked at a bakery making dog biscuits.  Today she has a “Coffee and Community” ministry after daily mass a couple days a week at our church where she gives all who come a hug and a cup of coffee.  Our son and his wife are wedding photographers.  Each of them is doing what God has especially gifted them to do. 

The way in which God dispenses his gifts is one of the great mysteries of his creation — all of this accomplished through the DNA contained in the microscopic human sperm and egg that come together in our procreation.  Amazing!

One of our life’s challenges is to discern what our gifts are in determining our vocation and life’s work. 

Do you ask God in helping you discern your life’s work? 

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

While St. Paul’s encourages us to pray for everyone, he specifically emphasizes the need to pray for government leaders so that we may live in peace and freedom to worship God and follow his ways.  In his day, government consisted primarily of kings and autocratic rulers.  

We are blessed in the United States to have a system of government based on the consent of the governed.  As we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, let us thank God for the people who have gone before us – for their vision and sacrifice for the government they created. 

The eloquence of their words matches the historical significance for all people: “WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed…” 

May we not allow the familiarity of these words to lessen their impact.  Let us embrace St. Paul’s encouragement, and the eloquence of these words to pray that our government may be led by God fearing representatives so that “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Do you pray for our government leaders?

“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1)

Jesus is cautioning his disciples not to follow the example of the Pharisees who make a show of piety and reverence, but whose actions do not live up to their words.  He goes on to say, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (Luke12: 2) If our actions differ from our words of apparent good, God will know.     

Jesus sets out seven examples of hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 where he says everything they do or say is for people to see and hear while failing to really love or serve others.  He accuses them of neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness. 

The seriousness of this conduct is reflected in the words Jesus uses to describe the Pharisee’s actions.  He refers to them as, “You snakes! You brood of vipers!  How will you escape being condemned to hell?” (Matthew. 23:33)

We can probably think of examples when we have not lived up to our words.  I can think of times when I stated that I would be available to serve someone, but when the time came, I wasn’t available due to another need that I could have probably postponed.   

As Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ mean ‘No.’  Anything more is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

Can you think of times when your actions did not live up to your words?

Dear Christ in Life and Work Reader,

Let me tell you about a book I wrote in the last year. Sixty-five stories illustrate passages from scripture and various experiences encountering God’s presence in all kinds of circumstances.  Here are just a few examples:

• Praying with an employee planning to have an abortion
• Experiencing God’s voice after a child is born with Down syndrome
• Declining a career advancing promotion for family considerations
• Experiencing physical healing of a child’s heart after the prayer of friends
• Praying with people who are dying.
• Seeking God’s will impacting decisions of a large multi-national oil company 

This book has received a Nihil Obstat from Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Arlington, Virginia Diocese as well as an endorsement from Bishop Peter Smith of the Portland, Oregon Diocese, and words of encouragement from Father Raniero Cardinal Cantalamessa of the Vatican. 

Father Jack Peterson, former Director of Youth Apostles of the Arlington Diocese, said, “While this book speaks from a Catholic perspective, it will appeal to all Christians because of Bill’s passion for inviting everyone to know and love Jesus with all their hearts.”   Please see more details at https://www.billdalgetty.com

Bill Dalgetty