I spent an afternoon catching up
with an old friend.

What surprised me
was that the fervent Christian
I thought I knew
did not mention You at all.

Instead, he spoke at length
about the latest course he had attended—
one that claimed to develop telekinesis.

He was fascinated.
Being in a place filled with people
who displayed extraordinary abilities,
it seemed he became so hyped up in the environment
that he believed
he too had developed
some level of supernatural ability.

As I reflect on the lure of telekinesis,
I also reflect on what it means
for a Christian
to receive charisms
for the service of others.

Many Christians desire charisms,
and some even believe
they can harness power
or activate gifts
as if they were possessions to acquire.

I wonder Lord—
what matters more to you:
charisms,
or virtues?

6th day within the octave of Christmas