August 1
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Responsibility
“Well done good and faithful servant” Matt 25:19
To be responsible is to first understand that we are not our own masters. Neither are we the owners of all that we possess. We belong to God, and all that we possess is a gift from God. Every gift comes with a responsibility. How do we use it? More importantly how do we share it? One day God will require an accounting of the use each person has made of the particular gifts entrusted to him or her.
August 8
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Gratitude
“A grateful heart silences a complaining voice.” Bishop Eugene Gerber
Being a Christian steward means living each day in gratitude, not envy. It is hard to always be wanting more when you have a grateful heart. The secret to happiness is not found in having what you want, but in wanting what you have. Good stewards count their blessings while everyone else is adding up their problems.
August 15
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Generosity
“Mature disciples make a conscious, firm decision, carried out in action to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves.” Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response
What is authentic generosity? It is born out of gratitude. For the Christian steward it means needing to give’ not simply ‘giving to a need’ in order to relieve ourselves of guilt or obligation. Authentic generosity means we freely give of ourselves, our lives, and our possessions, without counting the cost.
August 22
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Simplicity
“Live simply so that others may simply live” Blessed Mother Teresa
Embracing a simpler lifestyle enables us to live more generously. Simple living is also the antidote for “affluenza,” the social disease caused by rampant consumerism and materialism. A Prayer for Simplicity: Lord, grant me the grace to be free from the excesses of this life. Let me not get caught up with the desire for wealth. Keep my heart and mind free to love and serve you. Amen.
August 29
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Mercy
“Go and learn what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others.’ I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.” Matt 9:12-14
One of the greatest measures of mercy is the commitment to be compassionate towards everyone we meet. We pray that we will always be a community that welcomes all people with love and compassion.
September 5
Virtues of the Disciple & Christian Steward: Perseverance
“My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar. I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful” 2 Tim 4:6-7.
Discipleship and stewardship is a way of life that is both joyful and rewarding, while at the same time being challenging and sometimes difficult. Be persistent, patient and persevere! It has its rewards both in this life and in the life to come.
Courtesy of Dan Potvin, Archdiocese of Winnipeg, ICSC Newsletter, August 2010
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