April 17, 2008

By Sister Jan Lane, A.S.C.

This morning on my run, I breathed deeply, inhaling all of spring: the warm possibility thawing, the new life hatching, the Easter promise blooming. It was invigorating.

I took a different route and happened upon one of the most vibrant tulip gardens I have ever seen, a rich medley of red, yellow, orange, magenta, white, yellow and purple. Technicolor glory. Their petals were opening wide to the sun.

When we celebrate Earth Day this month, we pay tribute to the environmental movement that has become so vogue. We pause to consider the ramifications of our daily habits and the ways we could be better stewards of the planet God has loaned us.

As a vocations director, this holiday holds rich layers of meaning. We are called to be faithful stewards of the Earth _ and of our God-given talents. God has entrusted each of us with special gifts, along with the expectation that we put them to full use.

St. Luke reminds us of this, chronicling Jesus' parable of the master who returns to his servants unexpectedly. "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward?" Jesus asks. "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much."

A steward, by definition, is a person who manages another's property or affairs, someone who administers something as an agent of another. That term "agent" applies to each of us; we are called to act on God's behalf by employing the talents He has given us.

We experience deep joy and lasting peace when we discover a complete use of our God-given talents. I see this evidenced by the members of my religious community, the Adorers. One is patient and articulate, a valuable asset to her local literacy program. Another is prudent and steadfast, a wise caretaker for seniors in her town. Yet another is strong and giving, a marvelous massage therapist.

One Adorer is warm and affirming, the perfect kindergarten teacher. Another is just and compassionate, an unwavering advocate for victims of human trafficking. We have a talented writer in our community and we post her insightful Scripture reflections on our website so everyone can benefit. We also have a gifted photographer, whose lens illuminates the Lord's handiwork in our midst.

Just like the colorful tulip garden I encountered this morning, the Adorers are in brilliant, multi-hued bloom. They are firmly rooted and bursting with the joy that comes from serving the Son.

This Earth Day, step back and consider what kind of a steward you are of your talents.

Your first thought may be of the talents you are using. But take a deeper look at your life. God has entrusted you with many gifts. Have you buried any in the ground?

What's keeping you from putting them to use? Fear of others' reactions? Fear of change? Fear of failure?

I challenge you to tackle whatever may be hindering you. And do it today! Dig out those neglected gifts and put them to use. When you do, your talents will double, like the first two servants in St. Matthew's parable. Their master was pleased with their return. "Well done, my good and faithful servant," he told them. "Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy."

Don't you long to hear the same words?

Come, share your Master's joy.

Sister Jan Lane is the Vocation Director for the U.S. Region of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.