The Coming of Spring: A Call To Joy!

“I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console and gladden them after their sorrow” (Jeremiah 31:13). This reading, given to us on a Lenten Saturday in March, comforts us: Just as the spring rains begin to fall, the promise of Easter’s comfort and joy will soon be upon us.

For some people, Lent is a glum time. Perhaps a childhood memory of deprivation, with no real understanding of the reason for the sacrifice, clouds their memory of Lent. Perhaps for some Catholics, thoughts of the terrible suffering and death of Christ overshadows and depresses their Lenten observance. For some, after a purposeful march to the altar to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, the discipline of Lent fades.

Not so for the Christian steward. The steward remains faithful to the season, but he also remains faithful to joy. After all, what is Lent but a reminder of our salvation? What is Lent but the harbinger of the Life that conquered all death? It’s not an accident that Lent occurs just as we begin to realize, at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, that once again, the light and color of spring are returning.

As Lent begins, we may struggle through cold and ice, in our world and in our hearts. But as Easter nears, the delicate leaves of crocuses and daffodils speak of Resurrection. Lent demands discipline, but it also inspires joy. As Christians, we know how the story ends!

Source:  ICSC March 2013

Stewardship Bulletin Reflection

March 24, 2013 –– Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

This Palm Sunday represents one of the great liturgical dichotomies. We begin the liturgy with a procession of celebration, and we continue to the reading of the Passion, which reaches its zenith with the Lord calling out, “ ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit’; and when he had said this he breathed his last.” It is as if we move from joy and celebration to utter defeat and emptiness. However, that is the essence of our entire Lenten journey, and our beginning of Holy Week, which is today. One of the important aspects of our sense of stewardship is gaining an understanding of our Faith, some of the details relating to what we do and why we do it.

The steward understands that she/he travels with the Lord every step of the way, from the highs to the lows, from triumph to evident disaster. Like Peter, nonetheless, we may become reluctant. What are we really following and what are we really believing and practicing? We may proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Throughout Lent we have been striving to deepen our relationship with Him. Nevertheless, when it comes right down to it, we may resist His invitation to us because it can mean pain, sacrifice, and suffering. That is why we must experience Lent. That is why we must experience His Passion. And that is why next week on Easter Sunday we will arise with the Lord in triumph, joy, and celebration. Truly, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER

Lent points the way to what really matters: Christ.
The Road Ahead
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain
where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am
following your will
does not mean that I am actually
doing so.
But I believe that the desire to
please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all
that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything
apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust you always
though I may seem to be lost and in
the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever
with me,
and you will never leave me to face
my perils alone.
Amen.
- Thomas Merton

Stewardship Reflection

If there is one consistent message in the readings for this Fifth Sunday of Lent, it is that we must look to the future, not to the past. As Catholic Christians, we are a people of eternity, a people who concentrate on the hope and promise of our Lord and Savior. Jesus reminds us many times that His “Kingdom is not of this world.” (Jn 18:36)

Living a life of stewardship places a person with an eye always on that other kingdom. St. Augustine once wrote that “A life of holiness does not lead one to Jesus, but Jesus can lead one to a life of holiness.” That is our challenge as good stewards — to keep our eyes on the Lord, our minds open to His Word, and our hearts open to His love. If we do that in the present, the past will not weigh heavily upon us, and the future will take care of itself.

The first reading from Isaiah reinforces the idea of looking to the future, “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new.” The passage goes on to speak of the release of the Israelites from captivity. It is the harbinger of what it is to come — Jesus’ redemption of us, so that we can be a part of His Kingdom.

St. Paul reminds the Philippians in the second reading that their focus must be on what is to come, not on what has been or what may be. Paul views what he calls the “finish line” in the last verse of the reading: “Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward that goal, the prize of God’s upward calling.” As we continue our Lenten journeys, this is an excellent reminder — we are striving toward Easter, but we are also striving toward Christ — we must not lose our focus.

The Gospel, as is often the case, brings it all together. What the woman had done in the past was not the focus of what Jesus tried to teach. There are two important elements in His teaching, both of which we need to take note. First, He forgives the sin of the woman, but tells her to “Go and sin no more.” He is trying to bring her to repentance by showing her His mercy. However, a second factor, equally important, is the Lord’s effort to show the “prosecutors” their sins. “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” He is providing us with two cautions, both notable to us during Lent in particular. Not only are we to strive to be without sin, but also we are called to avoid the sin of self-righteousness, the sin of not being forgiving ourselves.

If we truly attempt to live lives of stewardship, we must keep in mind that we follow that way of life as a “calling.” However, we are not to condemn others because they fail to live that way. We also must remember to love all regardless whether we think they are “good” people or not. All of this is fulfilled because we understand that our rewards are in Heaven, not necessarily on earth — in the future, not in the present. The eminent scholar, author, and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis put it this way: “When Christians cease to think of the other world in their future is when they become ineffective in this world.”

Source: TheCatholicSteward.com

 

Make a Personal Pastoral Plan to Celebrate the Year of Faith

October marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. On this momentous anniversary, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed October 2012 as the beginning of a Year of Faith. But what does this Year of Faith mean to Catholic stewards?

In his apostolic letter announcing the Year of Faith, the pontiff stressed three important areas in our life of faith. He exhorted us: 1) to better understand our faith; 2) to take some action to give witness to our faith; and 3) to share our faith with others.

Don’t let this year slip away without embracing its opportunity for growth. Make a personal pastoral plan that will set concrete goals and deepen the stewardship of your faith life this year. Here are some questions to guide you in the Holy Father’s three-fold areas of concern.

1. Faith seeks truth. What am I to learn about my faith in the God of Jesus Christ?
• Read the Bible. One simple plan is to prayerfully read each day’s lectionary readings, which can be found online at www.usccb.org/bible/readings.
• Study the Catholic catechism and have it on hand to answer questions. The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is an adaptation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and is a handy reference as well as a good learning tool.
• Intentionally choose several books on Catholic life and spirituality this year. These could range from books on centering prayer to the lives of the saints or perhaps a book on the Second Vatican Council. Immerse yourself in Catholic reading.

2. Faith leads to Action. What action will witness to my commitment to Christ?
• Pray – We live our faith more fully by cultivating a more disciplined prayer life. The most important time of your day is the time you set aside for prayer.
• Give more generously to the Church, its ministries and related charities.
• Exchange one hour of time spent in front of the TV or computer each week with an hour spent with others who are in need of your unique gifts.

3. Faith is not a private affair. With whom should I share my faith in Christ?
• Attend Mass more often, and bring someone with you.
• Join or form a bible study group.
• Talk to a family member, friend or coworker about your faith.

The Year of Faith is a wonderful gift meant to help us to grow in our Catholic faith. Make your plan now for this Year of Faith, and prepare yourself to be amazed at how Christ can work in and through you when you take the initiative to grow closer to Christ.

Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council October 2012 Newsletter

A Stewardship Moment

September 2, 2012 Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the reading from the letter of St. James we are urged to be “doers” of the Gospel, not just listeners. Being a “steward” of God’s Word is a matter of listening to the Good News, embracing the Good News and putting the Good News into action in our day-to-day lives. And whenever we are uncertain as to what decisions to make or actions to take as good stewards of the Gospel, St. James reminds us: We can never go wrong if we resist popular values that are not compatible with the Gospel, and we come to the aid of those who are burdened, distressed and poor.

September 9, 2012 Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. James teaches that those who are poor in the eyes of society are the ones who have been chosen to inherit the Kingdom of God. Indeed, we are saved because of our poverty; we are redeemed out of our need; not because of our material wealth or achievements that the world finds praiseworthy. St. James also suggests that we are stewards of others, especially the poor; and it is how we respond to the poor and needy that will define our relationship with the Lord. How do we respond to the less fortunate right within our own parish?

September 16, 2012 Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. James asks what our love for Jesus Christ can possibly mean if it does not result in action on behalf of our neighbor. He suggests that that faith is demonstrated most acutely in care for the needy, the suffering, and the underprivileged. Stewardship includes proclaiming the Good News by putting our faith into action on behalf of others. In what ways have we been willing to make sacrifices and renunciations for the sake of Jesus Christ and our neighbor?

September 23, 2012 Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues to turn society’s idea of greatness upside down. He teaches that true greatness lies in being a servant to others; a good steward of our relationships. We want success, but Jesus defines success differently than we do. Jesus redefines our notion of greatness and success. How do we define success? Is our notion of success consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ?

September 30, 2012 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. James warns against accepting the standards of the world and assuming that what is normative in society needs no countercultural challenge. The temptation to hoard riches and make sharp bargains at the expense of the powerless is pervasive because these things are generally done and look respectable enough. St. James points to God’s judgment on these attitudes and actions of amassing wealth and comfort at the expense of others. How might we be better stewards of the material blessings we have been given? How might we use our wealth with compassion toward others?

Source: ICSC Newsletter 2012

An Ancient Psalmist Calls us to Gratitude

The Book of Psalms is Israel’s hymnbook. Historically, the psalms are so closely linked to King David that many believe some of them were written by him. They provide prayers for every aspect of the life of the Israelites, and today they reveal a spiritual wisdom that can draw the Christian steward into a deeper intimacy with God, especially through the fundamental notion of gratitude. Psalm 50 provides an insightful look at gratitude. The psalmist felt so strongly about the call to thankfulness to the Lord that he even chose to speak with the Lord’s voice, assuring the people that God did not need their burnt offerings: “I shall take no young bull out of your house nor male goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine. The cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine.” No, God tells the people, everything is already God’s, so your cattle and birds and young bulls need not be offered to their Creator. So what does God want from us? The psalmist urges us to “offer to God a sacrifice of Thanksgiving.” Keeping in mind that all we have is from God, and remains God’s, Christian stewards awake each morning to say with humility, “Thank you.” The ancient psalmist’s words make sense to a modern Christian, because the God who gave us free will does not possess our thankfulness until we freely give it. And we’re asked for more than a perfunctory show of gratitude. The God who already possesses cattle on a thousand hills and every bird of the mountain is calling us to a deep sense of conversion, a sense that we stand before the God who has gifted us with everything we possess. Source: ICSC Newsletter

Stewardship Reflections

Today’s readings call our attention to a topic most of us would like to ignore, but none of us can avoid: death. The idea of spending any length of time contemplating death seems morbid. It is scary. And rightly so, for even the scriptures tell us that death is not of God. “God did not make death, nor does He rejoice in the destruction of the living. For He fashioned all things that they might have being …” (first reading). Yet, today’s readings highlight some of the wonderful aspects of the reality of death. While we recognize that God did not intend for us to die, nor does he delight in the death of any living thing, we are made aware of a remarkable reality — God brings good out of evil. In the case of death, he has brought unfathomable good out of something that entered the world by Satan’s actions: “But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world…” (first reading); “The child is not dead but asleep…” (Gospel). It is in that which we rejoice. It is upon that which we contemplate. God in His infinite goodness, through Christ’s death and resurrection, made death — something that was brought about by sin and destruction — into something that serves as a point of departure for our complete glorification. Death is the beginning of our life in eternity, perfectly united to the Trinity. He sanctified death in a glorious way. In the gospel today, we hear Christ encourage those mourning the death of the young girl. He assures them, “she is not dead. She is just asleep.” and while this gospel reading culminates in the miracle of the girl’s resurrection from the dead, “’Little girl I say to you, arise!’ The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around”; it speaks to us about the reality of death after Christ. It is not an end to life. We fall asleep as it were and awake refreshed in a life of glory. Contemplating the subject of death, and the way in which Christ’s death and resurrection has transformed the reality of our own, brings to light the purpose of our life here and now. We are made for God. We are made to live in perfect unity with Him. We will not experience such perfect unity until we reach the eternal kingdom, because we live in a fallen world wrought with sin, and sin is not of God. Yet, in many ways, we are able to experience unity with Him — imperfect though it may be – here and now. As we pray, we are united to the Lord. When we celebrate Mass together, and participate in all of the sacraments, we are mystically united to God in a very real very strong way. When we love and serve others in His name, we are united to Him. Through these and many other ways, we are closely bound to God here and now. He gives us strength and the grace we need to live a life of goodness, and He calls us to bear witness to the beauty of Christian living. Indeed, in contemplating death, we see so many ways in which God has blessed us. We recognize his infinite goodness and his unconditional self-giving love, and we marvel at the gift He has given us in life everlasting. Contemplating death ought not make us afraid. After all, Christ took the sting and the victory out of death (1 Cor. 15:55). He has won the victory, and He invites us to share it with Him in a life of eternal glory. It is now our responsibility to live our lives for Him here and now so that we show Him our undying gratitude for all He has done for us and so that we show others the beauty in this life we call Christian discipleship.

Springtime Stewardship

Everyone loves springtime. The official start of Spring is less than a week away, but the weather is already getting warmer and beautiful flowers are beginning to bloom all around us.

But anyone with a beautiful garden will attest to the fact that the flowers do not magically appear as if the change in season itself miraculously makes the flowers bloom. Beautiful flowers and lush gardens are the result of hard work by the gardener.

Imagine a man is given some flower seeds. The man then buries the seeds in the ground and leaves them on their own. As the months pass and rain falls, some seeds may receive enough nourishment to bloom. But simply burying seeds in the ground will hardly make for a gorgeous garden. Rather, if the man truly wants to enjoy many beautiful flowers, there is much care and work ahead. Recognizing the hidden beauty within these simple seeds, he must cultivate the ground, plant the seeds in a solid foundation and water and fertilize them throughout the year. Only then will he see the proper fruit these seeds were made to bear.

This simple illustration speaks to our hearts this season — not only as we look around at the flowers, but more importantly, as we reflect on the springtime of the Church. Soon we will celebrate the great feast of Easter when, through His death and Resurrection, Christ offers us the greatest gift of all — eternal life with Him forever. This celebration leads us to reflect on the many gifts God has given us in this life and the fruit they will bear, especially as we look to life eternal.

He has given each of us a multitude of gifts so that we can better serve Him and bring others to Him. Do we notice the hidden potential of our gifts? Do we see them, like the seed, as seemingly small, yet so full of fruit? Everything we have — our time, talents, and treasure — is a gift from the Lord. Do we accept gifts in gratitude, then put them to use by cultivating and nourishing them so they will bear the proper fruit?

Just like the springtime flowers we now enjoy, our time, talents, and treasure need to be cared for. Our gifts need to be cultivated and nourished. Only then will we see them for what they are — wonderful gifts given by God and meant for His greater glory.

Like the seeds, if we use our gifts flippantly, we may see some fruits here and there. But we are called to so much more. We are called to build a beautiful garden. We are called to offer God the most beautiful flowers of all.

This season, as we look at all the beautiful flowers around us and enjoy God’s creation, let us think about the seeds in our own lives. Ask yourself if you have accepted the gifts God has given you — your time, your talents, and your treasure — and cultivated and cared for them properly.

Or, do they just sit dormant within, you yearning to bloom?

Fr. Michael Troha, March 15, 2012
The Catholic Steward - Catholicsteward.com

Good Steward Newsletter

We Give Back to God, In an Unequal Exchange, the Gift of His Love

Clearly, it is only through God’s generosity that man, the beggar, who receives a wealth of divine gifts, is yet able to offer something to God as well; that God makes it possible for us to accept His gifts by making us capable of becoming givers ourselves in His regard. – Pope Benedict XVI

During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we give and receive many gifts. Advent is a time of preparation, a time of joyful hope and confident expectation. Hope is a gift—an especially precious gift during times of uncertainty and despair. Joy is also a gift. It gladdens our weary hearts and allows us to let go of life’s many burdens, if only for a moment.

We have gifts to share with others because God has been generous to us. He has given us life. All that we possess (our material and spiritual gifts) first came to us because God loves us, because He freely shares with us His life (grace) and the fruits of His labor (creation). We have gifts to share with others because God first shared these gifts with us
.
Pope Benedict reminds us that God is love. Divine love does not exist only for itself. “By nature,” the Holy Father says, God’s love “wants to pour itself out.” This is the Christmas story. God so loved the world that He sent His only Son. (Jn) God’s love could not contain itself. It overflowed and became incarnate. God so loved us that He became one with us.

This is the mystery—and the profound joy—of Christmas. Christ, the Son of God, “stepped outside the framework of His divinity, took flesh and became man” the pope says, “not merely to confirm the world in its worldliness” but to effect a profound change, to transform the world, and each one of us, by the power of His love.

When we celebrate Advent, we look forward in hope. And when Christmas comes, we discover that our hope has been transformed. It has become love incarnate.

We have gifts to share with one another because Christ has given Himself to us. We have the power to give back to God “with increase” because God has invited us to be the stewards of His bounty and to nurture all His gifts and grow them out of gratitude for His love.

The danger is that we will neglect the gifts we have received from God and that we will become complacent and fail to share them with others. This is the tendency to worldliness that Jesus has warned against (Jn17:16). It is the temptation to regard all our gifts and possessions as rightfully ours—not gifts at all but the results of our own efforts, our own exclusive property.

Miserly, self-centeredness is the spirit of Scrooge; it is not the spirit of Christmas. The God who loves us gives generously without measuring what we deserve. He does not hold back. He shares freely out of an abundance of love.

To be like Him, we must let go of what we think we own. We must give until it liberates us from the weight of the world. We must share until it connects us with each other and with God.
Yes, the exchange between us and God is unequal. We could never hope to return to Him in equal measure all that He has given to us. That’s why the Lord challenges us to proportionate giving. And it’s why He invites us to give sacrificially as a sign that we know how blessed we are and how much we have to share with others.

Pope Benedict says that “the Church owes her whole being to this unequal exchange.” We have nothing of our own to give this Christmas. We have only what Christ has first given to us—inviting us to take care of, and share, the gifts He has given us out of love.

This Advent let’s treasure the gift of hope and share it generously with all who are tempted to despair. And when Christmas comes, let’s not hold anything back. Let’s spread joy and love and peace with great generosity—as though we had much more of these precious gifts than we knew what to do with!

God gives us more than we can ever give back in return. May His generosity inspire us to celebrate this holy season with an outpouring of God’s unending love.

Source: Copyright © 2011, Daniel Conway
Permission is given to copy and distribute this Good Steward Newsletter for use in religious or educational settings provided that proper attribution is given to the author. This publication may not be sold or distributed to the general public without the express permission of the author.