Stewardship Reflections for the Sunday Readings

Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Weekend of March 5/6
In today’s gospel Jesus states emphatically that only those who
do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. But
what does it mean to do the will of God? To Christian stewards
it means that they have surrendered their hearts and minds to
the teaching of Christ; and even if they cannot deliver a perfect
or flawless performance, they truly desire to love the Lord and
allow him to direct their lives. Do we wish to honor the Lord
in everything we do, or is the price more than we want to pay?

First Sunday of Lent
Weekend of March 12/13
At the beginning of this Lenten season we hear proclaimed
the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. He responds to the
first temptation by saying that one does not live by bread alone
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
The season of Lent invites us to consider how we nourish our
hearts, how we act as stewards of the Word of God entrusted to
us. A good reflection for the week: What do we live on? What
keeps us going? Could it be possessions, prestige, the need to
be in control, the need for security, addictions? Or the fervent
desire to listen to God’s word?

Second Sunday of Lent
Weekend of March 19/20
Saint Matthew’s account of Jesus’ transfiguration is a preview of
the Resurrection and puts into perspective Jesus’ sayings about
his suffering, rejection and death, and his role as the light of
salvation. With the additional command “Listen to him” from
the voice in the heavens the transfiguration is also about the
disciples’ resurrection, and sheds light on Jesus’ previous sayings
about the cost of discipleship. Are we willing to “listen to
him?” Do we believe Christ’s claims for our salvation? Are we
willing to accept this cost even if it means rejection by others?

Third Sunday in Lent
Weekend of March 26/27
Jesus’ longest-recorded conversation with anyone is the one he
has with the Samaritan woman at the well. She discovers she
can be honest with Jesus and goes and tells others about him.
She gives witness. She’s not the most certain, thorough or even
convincing witness. But her witness is enough. It is inviting,
humble, non-judgmental and sincere. What is the quality of our
witness? How do our words and actions give daily testimony on
behalf of Christ? During this season of Lent, how might we do
a better job at proclaiming the risen Lord in word and deed?

Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council March Newsletter