Sarah Kostick, a researcher at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, works to develop new apple varieties. This ability of research and knowledge, Kostick said, is a charism, or a gift given to the Lord’s people.
Kostick explained to “Practicing Catholic” host Patrick Conley during the program set to air at 9 p.m. Jan. 24 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, that as a scientist and a researcher, her natural skills are practiced over time, but prayer helps make the gifts of teaching and knowledge more effective in her career.
“If you’re not consistently seeking the Lord in your life, it doesn’t matter what gifts you have, you’re not going to be effective because you’re not deeply grounded in a relationship with him. Part of my growth (is) in utilizing my charisms, utilizing my gifts is a result of my growth in my own prayer life and my own relationship with the Lord and really seeking him. … Entering more deeply in prayer has really helped me in understanding how I should be using my gifts because it’s not about me, it’s about him and his Church and bringing others to Christ.”
Kostick said that in Christ’s Church, not everyone gets to be in the spotlight. Everyone has unique gifts that contribute to the body of Christ. Kostick encouraged others to not envy other people’s gifts, because “Your family, your community, your parish needs the saint that you can become” by exercising individual gifts.
To hear more from Kostick about the importance of discovering one’s own charisms and gifts from God, tune into “Practicing Catholic,” which repeats at 1 p.m. Jan. 25 and 2 p.m. Jan. 26.
The program also includes a segment with Archbishop Bernard Hebda discussing the importance of recognizing Catholic education during Catholic Schools Week. Also, catch part of an interview with Jason Adkins and Maggee Hangge with Minnesota Catholic Conference about several of MCC’s key initiatives in this session of the Minnesota Legislature.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, “Practicing Catholic” can be heard after it has aired at archspm.org/faith-and-discipleship/practicing-catholic or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.
