In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul describes the diverse gifts which are given to us by the Holy Spirit — wisdom, knowledge, healing, prophecy, and more. 
 

These gifts are to be used for the benefit of others to build up the Body of Christ, the Church.

Before listing these gifts, however, Paul reveals that faith itself is the Holy Spirit’s first gift, writing, “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 12:3). 

When we genuinely acknowledge Jesus as Lord, it reveals that the Holy Spirit is active in our hearts. 

This passage is an encouraging reminder that the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives. 

This foundational gift of faith is beautifully illustrated in the story of the sisters Martha and Mary in the Gospel of Luke. 

While their responses to Jesus differ — one is immersed in service, the other in contemplation — the sisters share the same Spirit-given faith.

As Jesus visits their home, Mary sits attentively at His feet, 

absorbing His words, while Martha preoccupies herself with the tasks of hospitality. 

When Martha appeals to the Lord, asking Him to tell Mary to help, He replies, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:41–42).

Active service and contemplative prayer are both important components of the spiritual life, and this passage illustrates the tension that can exist between the two. 

While Jesus gently redirects Martha’s focus and affirms that attentiveness to Him is the “better part,” this story reveals a deeper truth about what the sisters shared in common. 

Both believed Jesus to be Lord, a belief which was ignited by the Holy Spirit dwelling in their hearts. Martha’s service and Mary’s prayerful attentiveness flow from the same divine source — the Holy Spirit.

Paired with Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts, this story calls us to embrace Spirit-led stewardship. God made each of us to know Him, love Him, and serve Him. 

Through prayerful openness to the Holy Spirit, we receive clarity to recognize the gifts we have been given and a desire to share them more fully with others.

Let the theme for this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal, “Inspired by the Spirit,” serve as a call to a renewed commitment to steward the gifts God has entrusted to us. 

May our support of the Annual Catholic Appeal be an act of faith, an offering inspired by the Spirit and used to build up the Church. 

Thank you for responding to the Spirit’s call.