Whenever I hear of stewardship, I almost always relate it to money. I am one of the many who felt that this was a way for the parish or the lay organization to raise funds for the maintenance of the church, serve the needs of the food pantry, the homeless and those who have less in life. I now realize that there is much more to stewardship than tithing.
I now have a better appreciation of stewardship, which I look at as a puzzle, after some research in preparation for giving a talk on stewardship at the Men’s Club of a local parish. It became clear to me that finances or money is the last part of the puzzle of stewardship.
A steward safeguards materials and resource uses them responsibly. It is also a generous giving of time, talent and treasure. Being a Christian even requires more work. All stewards, receive God’s gift gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice and return them with an increase to the Lord.
The pieces of the puzzle!
First, a Christian must become a disciple of Jesus Christ, following Him at all costs.
Second, he must be a steward of his vocation, sharing his gifts from God, experience and skills to increase the quality of life of others. Denying others of his gifts is denying the giver of these gifts, God.
Third, is stewardship of the Church, which begins at the home, the basis of the community itself. This then radiates into the parish, the diocese and the Universal Church.
Fourth - FINANCES - After becoming a disciple of Jesus and as a Christian increases in being stewards of Creation, Vocation and the Church, it then becomes an easier and fulfilling experience to being stewards of finances.
There is a fuller and richer understanding of one’s role in God’s plan. He realizes his responsibility and that all that he has is rightfully God’s alone and he is only a steward of His riches and property. He shares his finances as a show of thanks for God’s generosity and as a direct response to the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.
The Bible says 10% in tithes (after taxes), which can be shared with the parish, a lay organization or a favorite charity. It becomes sacrificial giving with joy in one’s heart!
If we do not have the monetary treasure, we can of course help in the work of the community to raise funds to meet the needs of the church and those who have less in life.
The growing secularism of society creates major obstacles in this journey. Growing secularism, the unbelief in religion, continuous amassing for irrational wealth, greed and life centered on "I", "me", ego are only a few of what we will encounter along the way. We have to walk with Jesus, follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and call on the Holy Spirit as we encounter these obstacles. Our divine help will always make a way!
Stewardship is a puzzle of sorts and putting the pieces of the puzzle together helps in becoming Christian stewards. It is lifelong journey where we can all join hands as we improve as stewards.
Reference: USCCB Becoming a Christian Steward
"to the greater glory of God"
Posted by: Bro Sonny
The pieces of the puzzle!
First, a Christian must become a disciple of Jesus Christ, following Him at all costs.
Second, he must be a steward of his vocation, sharing his gifts from God, experience and skills to increase the quality of life of others. Denying others of his gifts is denying the giver of these gifts, God.
Third, is stewardship of the Church, which begins at the home, the basis of the community itself. This then radiates into the parish, the diocese and the Universal Church.
Fourth - FINANCES - After becoming a disciple of Jesus and as a Christian increases in being stewards of Creation, Vocation and the Church, it then becomes an easier and fulfilling experience to being stewards of finances.
There is a fuller and richer understanding of one’s role in God’s plan. He realizes his responsibility and that all that he has is rightfully God’s alone and he is only a steward of His riches and property. He shares his finances as a show of thanks for God’s generosity and as a direct response to the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.
The Bible says 10% in tithes (after taxes), which can be shared with the parish, a lay organization or a favorite charity. It becomes sacrificial giving with joy in one’s heart!
If we do not have the monetary treasure, we can of course help in the work of the community to raise funds to meet the needs of the church and those who have less in life.
The growing secularism of society creates major obstacles in this journey. Growing secularism, the unbelief in religion, continuous amassing for irrational wealth, greed and life centered on "I", "me", ego are only a few of what we will encounter along the way. We have to walk with Jesus, follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and call on the Holy Spirit as we encounter these obstacles. Our divine help will always make a way!
Stewardship is a puzzle of sorts and putting the pieces of the puzzle together helps in becoming Christian stewards. It is lifelong journey where we can all join hands as we improve as stewards.
Reference: USCCB Becoming a Christian Steward
"to the greater glory of God"
Posted by: Bro Sonny
No comments:
Post a Comment