Utilizing My Talents for God’s Work

God has given each of us a unique set of talents. In this reflection, student friar Br. Michael Reyes, OFM, relates how he shares his artistic talents with children in a parish program.

We’d love to hear from you! What are some of the talents that you have and how do you share them with other people?

Br. Michael works with a participant of St. Bonaventure Parish's Summer Song Program, which provides religious education for children in pre-kindergarten to third grade.

Once, a mentor told me, “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God.” I remembered these words as I discerned where to go for my first summer internship back in 2010.

While I wanted to experience parish ministry, I also hoped for an opportunity to explore the artistic talent I had rediscovered during my novitiate year. And so, two days after professing my simple vows, I found myself driving through a picturesque landscape of dark green mountaintops and splendid farmlands on my way to the vibrant community of St. Bonaventure Parish in Allegany, N.Y.

During my time there, I helped out at “The Bridge,” the centerpiece of the outreach program, and brought communion to patients of Olean General Hospital. I also chaperoned the youth group during their service trips to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy in Buffalo and coordinated activities for younger kids at the summer religious education program. In addition, I shared reflections during weekday Masses and led a communion service every Friday at the parish.

My free evenings were spent working with Br. Robert Lentz, OFM,  in his studio at the St. Bonaventure University Friary in St. Bonaventure, N.Y. In the past, I had painted for relaxation, working with watercolors and oils. With Br. Robert, I learned how to use my talent as a tool for evangelization.

My summer at Allegany introduced me to the joys and challenges of parish ministry. I long to help people realize how much God loves them. As I continue with my formation, I must discern how God wants me to do this. Recognizing, cultivating and utilizing what talents God has given me are important steps in this process.

By Br. Michael Reyes, OFM. Br. Michael resides at Holy Name College in Silver Spring, Md. He is in his third year of graduate studies at Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C.