Spirit with Sevenfold Gifts
St. Mary's Iffley, Oxford, UK

Dear friends,

I am delighted to reflect with you on the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans, chapter 12, verses 1-8. These verses provide a powerful call to action for us all, inviting us to renew our minds and transform our lives.

First, let us consider the opening verse: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This verse reminds us that our bodies are sacred vessels, temples of the divine, and that we are called to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice in service to God and others. We are invited to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and to see ourselves as part of a larger whole.

The next verse tells us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Here, Paul encourages us to break free from the limitations and expectations of our culture and society and to open ourselves up to new possibilities and ways of being. This transformation must be a holistic one, encompassing not just our thoughts, but also our emotions and actions.

In the following verses, Paul reminds us that we are all members of one body, each with our own unique gifts and talents. Just as the body has many parts, each with its own function, so too do we each have a role to play in the larger community. Here, I would urge us all to remember the importance of collaboration and cooperation, recognizing that our individual talents are meant to be shared and used for the greater good.

Finally, Paul concludes by listing several gifts that are given to members of the community, including prophecy, teaching, generosity, and leadership. These gifts are not given for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others. I would encourage us all to cultivate these gifts within ourselves and to use them to serve others and promote compassion, wisdom, and peace.

Let us remember the words of Paul in Romans 12:1-8 as a call to action, inviting us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and to use our unique gifts and talents for the greater good of all beings. May we each find the courage and inspiration to heed this call and to become agents of positive change in the world.