"A Thought or Two on Stewardship in the Sunday Readings"

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Weekend of July 6/7, 2013
In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus inviting his disciples to be evangelizers. “The harvest is abundant,” Jesus says. But those who are willing to invite others to a deeper relationship with the Lord are few. Good stewards who are willing to witness their Catholic faith to others know they are “like lambs among wolves.” They are encouraged to be gentle, patient and loving, knowing they may face rejection and even fierce opposition.  The New Evangelization invites us to be better stewards of our faith, to give positive, courageous, joyful witness to others who have turned away from their relationship with Jesus. Is there someone we should be reaching out to this week?

Décimo Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Fin de semana del 6/7 de Julio de 2013
En el Evangelio de hoy, nosotros escuchamos a Jesús inviter a sus discípulos a ser evangelizadores. “la cosecha es abundante,” dice Jesús. Pero aquellos que están dispuestos a inviter a otros a una relación más profunda con el Señor, son pocos.  Los corresponsables piadosos, que están dispuestos a ser testigos para otros de su fe católica, saben que son “como ovejas entre lobos.” Ellos están motivados a ser amables, pacientes y amorosos, sabiendo que pueden enfrentar rechazo y hasta una feroz oposición. La Nueva Evangelización nos invita a ser mejores corresponsables de nuestra fe, a dar testimonio positivo, valiente y gozoso a otros, quienes se han alejado de su relación con el Señor. ¿Hay alguien a quien nosotros debamos acercarnos para dar testimonio esta semana?

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend of July 13/14, 2013
Today’s Gospel turns our attention to one of Jesus’ most familiar stories, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It is about living how God intended us to live: to acknowledge God’s divine love and compassion lavished upon us, and to extend that love and compassion upon others without reservation. We can find a lot of reasons for not stopping to help someone. We can talk ourselves out of being Good Samaritans. Strangers are not our responsibility, or are they? Good stewards understand that God’s compassion is a gift that must be shared, and that doing the right thing, acting as Jesus would act toward others, is the only course of action for one who lives according to the demands of the Gospel. How might you be a Good Samaritan this week?

Décimo Quinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Fin de Semana del 13/14 de Julio de 2013
El Evangelio de hoy enfoca nuestra atención en una de las historias de Jesús más familiares, la Parábola del Buen Samaritano.  Trata acerca de vivir de la manera que Dios planeó para nosotros que viviéramos: de reconocer el divino amor y la compasión de Dios vertidos sobre nosotros, y de extender ese amor y compasión sobre otros, sin reserva. Nosotros podemos encontrar muchas razones para no detenernos a ayudar a alguien. Podemos disuadirnos a nosotros mismos de ser Buenos Samaritanos. Engañarnos a nosotros mismos, pensando, los extraños no son nuestra responsabilidad, ¿o sí? Los corresponsables piadosos comprenden que la compasión de Dios es un don que debe ser compartido, y que haciendo lo correcto, actuando hacia otros como Jesús lo haría, es la única vía de acción para quien vive de acuerdo a los mandatos del Evangelio. ¿Cómo podría usted ser un Buen Samaritano esta semana?

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend of July 20/21, 2013
Martha and Mary are the focus of this weekend’s Gospel, which abounds with rich themes about hospitality, service, and finding the right balance between action and prayerful attention to the Lord. Christians who are good stewards of their faith life realize that if they are too busy to enjoy peaceful, private time with the Lord, then something is out of balance in their spirituality. If we make time for Mass, but then carry on with our busy schedules without prayer, meditation and reflection, we are missing out. If we find ourselves anxious and harried by life’s routines, could it be a sign that something in our spiritual life needs some serious attention?

Décimo Sexto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Fin de Semana del 20/21 de Julio de 2013
Marta y María son el centro del Evangelio de este fin de semana, el cual abunda en espléndidos temas sobre la hospitalidad, el servicio y el encuentro del balance correcto entre la acción y la atención devota al Señor. Los cristianos que son corresponsables piadosos de su vida de fe son conscientes de que si ellos están demasiado ocupados para disfrutar un tiempo tranquilo y privado con el Señor, entonces algo está fuera de balance en su espiritualidad. Si nosotros hacemos un tiempo para asistir a Misa, pero continuamos con nuestras ocupadas agendas sin oración, meditación ni reflexión, estamos perdiendo algo. Si nos encontramos ansiosos y hostigados por las rutinas de la vida, ¿podría ser un signo de que algo en nuestra vida espiritual necesita de nuestra seria atención?

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend of July 27/28, 2013
Today’s Gospel parable speaks to generosity. In the deep of night, a sleepy friend responds to his neighbor’s request for food for an unexpected guest. Jesus suggests that it would be unthinkable that a friend would deny a friend in need. A friend would most certainly give what is asked and more. Through this story, Jesus illustrates God’s generosity. Good stewards realize the extraordinary love and graciousness with which God showers us. We need never convince God to be generous.  God is already that generous friend. His abundant love bathes us in goodness. This week, prayerfully reflect on God’s generosity and what our response should be to that generosity.

Décimo Séptimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Fin de Semana del 27/28 de Julio de 2013
La parábola del Evangelio de hoy habla de la generosidad. En medio la noche, un amigo somnoliento responde a la petición de su vecino de comida para un huésped inesperado. Jesús sugiere que no podemos ni siquiera pensar que un amigo podría rechazar a un amigo en necesidad. Un amigo sin duda daría lo que el amigo le pide y más. A través de esta historia, Jesús ilustra la generosidad de Dios. Los corresponsables piadosos son conscientes del extraordinario amor y bondad con las que Dios nos ha colmado. Nosotros nunca necesitamos convencer a Dios de ser generoso. Dios, es ese generoso amigo. Su abundante amor nos baña de su bondad. Esta semana, reflexione piadosamente sobre la generosidad de Dios y sobre cuál debería ser nuestra respuesta a esa generosidad.

International Catholic Stewardship Council, July 2013 Newsletter

Pope Francis on Stewardship

“In this period of crisis today, it is important not to turn in on ourselves, burying our own talent, our spiritual, intellectual, and material riches, everything that the Lord has given us; but, rather to open ourselves, to be supportive, to be attentive to others.  Set your stakes on great ideals, the ideals that enlarge the heart, the ideals of service that make your talents fruitful.  Life is not given to us to be jealously guarded for ourselves, but is given to us so that we may give it in turn.”

Pope Francis, to an audience on April 24, 2013

Sunday Mass Readings for the month of June

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Weekend of June 1/2, 2013
From the rich Eucharistic themes to be drawn from today’s second reading, one stewardship theme stands out:  The Eucharist is Christ’s gift to us. Good stewards are grateful for this gift and realize that no matter their station in life, they are welcome to come to the table and receive the body and blood of Christ.  If Jesus could break bread with his betrayer, Judas, his denier, Peter, and the other ten who deserted him, then he will welcome us. Do we truly appreciate what a tremendous gift it is to approach the Lord’s table?  Do we realize that the Holy Spirit means to transform us by the gift of Christ’s body and blood?

Solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo

Fin de Semana del 1-2 de Junio de 2013
Al extraer de entre la riqueza de temas Eucarísticos de la segunda lectura de hoy, destaca un tema de
corresponsabilidad: la Eucaristía es el don de Cristo para nosotros. Los corresponsables piadosos están agradecidos por este don y conscientes de que sin importar la etapa de su vida, ellos son bienvenidos al acercarse a la mesa y recibir el cuerpo y la sangre de Cristo. Si Jesús compartió la fracción del pan con Judas, quien lo traicionó, con Pedro, quien lo negó, y con los otros diez quienes lo abandonaron, entonces Él nos acogerá. ¿Nosotros apreciamos verdaderamente el extraordinario don que es el aproximarnos a la mesa del Señor? ¿Estamos conscientes de que el Espíritu Santo nos transforma por el don del cuerpo y la sangre de Cristo?

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend of June 8/9, 2013
Saint Paul begins today’s second reading by stating that he was “called” to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As baptized Catholics who have an opportunity to share in Christ’s life through the Eucharist regularly, we too are called to proclaim the teachings of Christ. We are stewards of Christ’s Gospel.  But how are we responding to that call?  Do we listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit?  Do we evade, dodge or ignore the Lord’s call?  Do we attempt to proclaim the Gospel in a spirit of compassion and love?  Reflect on how you exercise stewardship over the Gospel.

Décimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Fin de Semana del 8-9 de Junio de 2013�
San Pablo inicia la segunda lectura de hoy declarando que él fue “llamado” para proclamar el Evangelio de Jesucristo. Como católicos bautizados, que tenemos la oportunidad de compartir la vida de Cristo a través de la Eucaristía, regularmente, nosotros somos también llamados a proclamar las enseñanzas de Cristo. Nosotros somos corresponsables del Evangelio de Cristo. Pero, ¿cómo estamos respondiendo nosotros a este llamado? ¿Escuchamos nosotros la guía del Espíritu Santo? ¿Nosotros evadimos, esquivamos o ignoramos el llamado del Señor? ¿Intentamos nosotros proclamar el Evangelio en un espíritu de compasión y amor? ¿Reflexionamos nosotros sobre cómo ejercitamos la corresponsabilidad acerca del Evangelio.

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend of June 15/16, 2013
In today’s Gospel we encounter the Pharisee who is rather inhospitable to Jesus.  He doesn’t seek Jesus’ friendship.  And yet the unknown woman who appears is quite eager to be where Jesus is and to show him her tremendous gratitude.  She does some extraordinary things: She gets down by Jesus’ feet, and, weeping, she wets his feet with her tears and wipes them with her hair!  She even kisses his feet and anoints them with some perfumed oil.  The woman lavishes her love and appreciation for Jesus.  Christian stewards show their love for Jesus in tangible ways every day.  Others don’t really seek his friendship.  Who are we more apt to be like in this Gospel story, the Pharisee or the grateful woman?

Décimo Primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Fin de Semana del 15-16 de Junio de 2013
En el Evangelio de hoy nosotros encontramos al fariseo que es además inhospitalario con Jesús. Él no busca la Amistad de Jesús. Y sin embargo, la mujer desconocida que aparece está ansiosa por estar donde está Jesús y por mostrarle su enorme gratitud. Ella hace algunas cosas extraordinarias: ¡ella se inclina a los pies de Jesús, y llorando humedece sus Un Mom ento de Co rresponsabilidad Algunos pensamientos sobre corresponsabilidad en las lecturas del domingo pies con sus lágrimas y los seca con su cabello! Besa sus pies y los unge con aceite perfumado. La mujer esparce generosamente su amor y apreciación por Jesús. Los cristianos corresponsables muestran su amor por Jesús cada día en maneras tangibles. Otros no buscan verdaderamentesu amistad. ¿A quién nos asemejamos nosotros en la historia  de este Evangelio, al fariseo o a la mujer agradecida?

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend of June 22/23, 2013
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells his disciples that if they wish to follow him they must deny themselves and take up his cross daily.  In Jesus’ time, the cross was not something nice or cool that one could hang on the wall or around one’s neck.  It was an instrument of torture and execution.  His point: We are to lay down our lives and let him take control.  Good stewards hand over their lives to Jesus no matter the cost.  They realize that all they take with them into the next life is their relationship with Christ Jesus.  What are we pursuing?  A life that tries to bring fulfillment to ourselves or a life that brings us closer to Jesus?

Décimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Fin de Semana del 23-24 de Junio de 2013
En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús dice a sus discípulos que si ellos desean seguirle, deben negarse a sí mismos y cargar diariamente su cruz. En tiempos de Jesús la cruz no era algo agradable o bello que pudiera colgarse sobre una pared o en el cuello de alguien. Era un instrumento de tortura y ejecución. Su punto: nosotros debemos poner de lado nuestras vidas y dejarle a él tomar el control. Los corresponsables piadosos entregan sus vidas a Jesús sin importar el costo. Ellos están conscientes de que todo lo que llevan con ellos a la próxima vida es su relación con Cristo Jesús. ¿Qué es lo que nosotros perseguimos? ¿Una vida que trata de traer plenitud para nosotros mismos? O, ¿una vida que nos lleva más cerca de Jesús?

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend of June 29/30, 2013
Today’s Gospel reveals to us the beginning of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem.  We will journey with Jesus for many Sundays to come, and along the way he will teach us about the demands of discipleship.  His instructions may seem harsh and unreasonable to our ears.  His response to legitimate requests to postpone the journey reminds us that there are always justifiable excuses to defer the journey or put off the responsibilities of discipleship.  Other important matters compete for our attention. Some of us must make heart-wrenching choices, but there is urgency about Jesus’ mission to bring forth God’s kingdom.  His demand is that we proclaim the Kingdom of God now.  Is this our first priority, or do we have other priorities?

Décimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Fin de Semana del 29-30 de Junio de 2013
El Evangelio de hoy nos revela el inicio del viaje de Jesús a Jerusalén. Nosotros viajaremos con Jesús durante muchos domingos por venir, y a lo largo del camino él nos enseñará acerca de las demandas del discipulado. Sus instrucciones pueden parecer severas o irracionales a nuestros oídos. Su respuesta a las legítimas peticiones de posponer la jornada nos recuerda que siempre hay excusas justificables para postergar la jornada o aplazar las responsabilidades del discipulado. Otros asuntos importantes requieren de nuestra atención. Alguno de nosotros deberá hacer elecciones que “estrujen” el corazón, pero hay una urgencia sobre la mission de Jesús de continuar el reino de Dios. Su demanda es que nosotros proclamemos el Reino de Dios ahora. ¿Es ésta nuestra primera prioridad? O, ¿tenemos otras prioridades?

Reference: International Catholic Stewardship Council, June 2013 

Sunday Mass Readings for the month of May

Sixth Sunday of Easter Weekend of May 4/5, 2013

In today’s Gospel we listen to some of the last words Jesus spoke on the night before his death, but they are words that prepared his disciples for his physical departure from them forty days after his resurrection. Jesus speaks of coming back with his Father so that they can make their home in the dis­ciples who love them. Our notion of the Triune God is one who is prepared to come and live within each of us. But God waits patiently to be invited into our hearts; our inner space. God is neither demanding nor intrusive. Do we welcome the presence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in our hearts? How so?

Sexto Domingo de Pascua

Fin de Semana de Mayo 4/5
En el Evangelio de hoy nosotros escuchamos algunas de las últimas palabras que Jesús pronunció la noche anterior a su muerte, sin embargo estas son palabras que prepararon a sus discípulos para su partida física cuarenta días después de su resurrección. Jesús habla de regresar con su Padre para así poder hacer su morada dentro de aquellos discípulos que les amen. Nuestra noción de Dios Trino y Uno es de aquel quien está preparado para venir y vivir dentro de cada uno de nosotros. Sin embargo, Dios espera pacientemente a ser invitado dentro de nuestros corazones; a nuestro espacio interior, Dios no es demandante ni intrusivo. ¿Acogemos nosotros la presencia del Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo en nuestros corazones? ¿De qué manera lo hacemos?

Seventh Sunday of Easter Weekend of May 11/12, 2013

(For those dioceses that celebrate the Seventh Sunday of Easter on the weekend of May 11/12, 2013)
In today’s first reading we hear the story of Saint Stephen, proclaiming God’s word in the “public square” and suffer­ing martyrdom by being stoned to death. At the scene were those who supported Stephen, those who became jealous and angry, and those who simply stood by and did nothing. Sometimes it seems like those who exercise good steward­ship of the Gospel embark on a terribly lonely journey, with a destination that looks rather ominous. It certainly was for Stephen. But he lived and died with an incredible faith. Do we persecute those who proclaim God’s word? Watch from the sidelines? Or become witnesses who take up the danger­ous life of the Gospel? What do we choose?

Séptimo Domingo de Pascua

Fin de Semana de Mayo 11/ 12 de 2013
(Para aquellas diócesis que celebran el Séptimo Domingo de Pascua el fin de semana del 11/12 de mayo de 2013).
En la primera lectura de hoy escuchamos la historia de San Esteban, proclamando la palabra de Dios en la “plaza pública” y sufriendo el martirio, siendo apedreado hasta la muerte. En la escena se encontraban quienes apoyaban a Esteban, quienes estaban celosos y furiosos, y quienes simplemente estaban de pie y no hicieron nada. Algunas veces parece que aquellos que ejercitan la piadosa corresponsabilidad del Evangelio se em­barcan en una terrible jornada de soledad, con un destino que parece siniestro. Ciertamente fue de esta manera para Esteban. Sin embargo él vivió y murió con una fe increíble. ¿Nosotros perseguimos a aquellos que proclaman la palabra de Dios? ¿Vemos desde la barrera? O ¿somos testigos que tomamos la peligrosa vida del Evangelio? ¿Cuál es nuestra elección?

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Weekend of May 11/12, 2013

(For those dioceses that celebrate Ascension Sunday on the weekend of May 11/12, 2013)
Today we celebrate the feast of the Ascension of our Lord, a feast which, in part, celebrates the confidence he placed in his close followers to continue his ministry. In the Gospel reading Jesus reminds his followers of the purpose of his mis­sion, and commissions them to continue his work by pro­claiming his word and by living courageously that which they preached. He also promises them the Holy Spirit who he said would strengthen them for the task ahead. As stewards of Je­sus’ life and ministry, a good question for us to reflect on this week might be this: Has Christ’s confidence in the quality of our own witness been well placed?

Solemnidad de la Ascensión del Señor

Fin de Semana de Mayo 11/12 de 2013
(Para aquellas diócesis que celebran el Domingo de la Ascensión del Señor el fin de semana de mayo 11/12 de 2013).
Nosotros celebramos hoy la fiesta de la Ascensión de nuestro Señor, la cual, en parte, celebra la confianza que Él depositó en sus seguidores más cercanos para que continuaran su ministe­rio. En la lectura del Evangelio, Jesús recuerda a sus seguidores el propósito de su misión, y los comisiona para continuar su trabajo mediante la proclamación de su palabra y viviendo valientemente lo que ellos predican. Él les promete también al Espíritu Santo, el cual, les dice, les fortalecerá para la tarea que tienen delante de ellos. Como corresponsables de la vida y el ministerio de Jesús, una buena pregunta para reflexionar esta semana sería la siguiente: ¿la confianza de Cristo en la calidad de nuestro propio testimonio, ha sido bien asignada?

May 19, 2013 Pentecost Sunday

In today’s first reading we encounter the Holy Spirit who at Pentecost came rushing in over Jesus’ followers like a power­ful wind. It must have been a frightening experience for them. But their great acts of prophetic witness began when the Spir­it drew them out of their “comfort zones.” Jesus said the Holy Spirit, like the wind, blows where it wills; into the lives of good stewards, empowering them to perform wondrous acts of healing, reconciliation and evangelization; encouraging them to proclaim the Gospel with boldness and confidence. All of that is a little beyond the comfort zone where most of us live our lives. This week, reflect on how the Holy Spirit may be calling you out of your personal comfort zone.

Mayo 19 de 2013 Domingo de Pentecostés

En la primera lectura de hoy nosotros encontramos al Espíritu Santo, quien, en Pentecostés, descendió sobre los seguidores de Jesús como un viento poderoso. Esta debe haber sido una experiencia atemorizante para ellos. Sin embargo sus grandes actos de testimonio profético iniciaron cuando el Espíritu les atrajo fuera de su “zona de confort.” Jesús dijo que el Espíritu Santo, como el viento, soplaría donde fuera su voluntad; en las vidas de los corresponsables piadosos, empoderándoles para lograr maravillosos actos de sanación, reconciliación y evange­lización; alentándoles para proclamar el Evangelio con audacia y confianza. Todo esto está un poco más allá de la zona de confort en la que la mayoría de nosotros vivimos nuestras vidas. Esta semana, reflexione acerca de cómo el Espíritu Santo puede estarle llamando a salir de su zona de confort personal.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Weekend of May 25/26, 2013

In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about life with his Father and the Spirit. He tells his disciples that what belongs to the Father belongs to him, and that the Spirit will take from what is his and give it to them. Jesus helps us understand that the relationship between Father, Son and Spirit is one of perfect sharing and loving generosity. This shared life is the foundation for what we now understand as part of living life in the Trinity. The abundant generosity of those who are good stewards of the gifts entrusted to them give us a glimpse into the love of the Triune God. Does the extent of our generosity give others a glimpse of God’s life within us?

Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad

Fin de Semana de Mayo 25/26 de 2013
En el Evangelio de hoy Jesús habla acerca de la vida con su Padre y con el Espíritu Santo. Él dice a sus discípulos que lo que pertenece a su Padre le pertenece a Él, y que el Espíritu tomará de lo que es suyo y se lo dará a ellos. Jesús nos ayuda a comprender que la relación entre el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu es una relación perfecta de generosidad compartida y amorosa. Esta vida compartida es el fundamento de lo que nosotros entendemos ahora como parte de vivir la vida en la Trinidad. La abundante generosidad de aquellos que son piadosos corresponsables de los dones a ellos confiados nos da un indicio del amor del Dios Trino y Uno. ¿El grado de nuestra generosidad da a otros una señal de la vida de Dios dentro de nosotros?

Reference source:  International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter, May 2013

May, the Month of Mary

May is the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and an opportunity to renew our own devotion to the Mother of God by praying the Rosary.

The following true story is a beautiful inspiration for reaching for our rosaries.

The Story Of Mother Teresa's Rosary

(Excerpt from Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly)

Jim Castle was tired when he boarded his plane in Cincinnati, Ohio, that night in 1981.  The 45-year-old management consultant had put on a week-long series of business meetings and seminars, and now he sank gratefully into his seat ready for the flight home to Kansas City, Kansas.

As more passengers entered, the place hummed with conversation, mixed with the sound of bags being stowed.  Then, suddenly, people fell silent.  The quiet moved slowly up the aisle like an invisible wake behind a boat.  Jim craned his head to see what was happening, and his mouth dropped open.

Walking up the aisle were two nuns clad in simple white habits bordered in blue.  He recognized the familiar face of one at once, the wrinkled skin, and the eyes warmly intent.  This was a face he’d seen in newscasts and on the cover of TIME.  The two nuns halted, and Jim realized that his seat companion was going to be Mother Teresa!

As the last few passengers settled in, Mother Teresa and her companion pulled out rosaries.  Each decade of the beads was a different color, Jim noticed.  The decades represented various areas of the world, Mother Teresa told him later, and added, “I pray for the poor and dying on each continent.”

The airplane taxied to the runway, and the two women began to pray, their voices a low murmur.  Though Jim considered himself not a very religious Catholic who went to church mostly out of habit, inexplicably he found himself joining in.  By the time they murmured the final prayer, the plane had reached cruising altitude.

Mother Teresa turned toward him.  For the first time in his life, Jim understood what people meant when they spoke of a person possessing an “aura”.  As she gazed at him, a sense of peace filled him; he could no more see it than he could see the wind, but he felt it, just as surely as he felt a warm summer breeze.  

“Young man,” she inquired, “Do you say the rosary often?”

“No, not really,” he admitted.

She took his hand, while her eyes probed his.

Then she smiled, “Well, you will now.”

And she dropped her rosary into his palm.

 

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