As we begin our Annual Catholic Appeal 2010 and make plans to strengthen our stewardship efforts across the Diocese of Tucson, I send this prayer out in support of your ministries.
Good and gracious God, we thank you for the
good work and good will of all who have
gathered here today and of the many others who
have helped to bring us to this point. Grant us
vision, that we may see and use wisely the gifts
you have showered upon us. Assist us with your
Spirit, that this good work we have begun may
come to completion in accordance with your will
and in ways that best serve your people. Bless us
now as we begin; and when we depart and go
our separate ways, preserve our unity as your
Church. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Forming Good Stewards
January 3, 2010 – The Epiphany of the Lord
“‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.’” Matthew 2:1-12
The Feast of the Epiphany originated in the Eastern Church and is celebrated in the Roman Rite as the Manifestation of the Lord to astrologers [Magi] from Persia [present day Iran]. The astrologers made the long and difficult journey to Bethlehem to pay homage to a newborn Jewish child. For us, the Feast of the Epiphany is another opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the Birth of Christ – God Incarnate – and how He is manifested in our lives. It is an opportunity to ponder: During Advent and the celebration of Christmas, did we grow in our understanding and appreciation of God present among us? Did we make an effort equivalent to the Magi to present a gift to the Child Jesus – the gift of our time and a commitment to contribute more of our talents and resources to the mission of the Church through greater involvement in our parish faith community? If not, it is not too late. Those gifts abound in our lives. Are we willing to share them with others? Are we willing to manifest Jesus [make Him present] to others?
Jan. 10, 2010 – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“This is my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
Those are the words that a voice from heaven spoke after Jesus convinced John to baptize him in the Jordan River. Imagine how we would feel if a voice from heaven said to us, as we stood among our family and friends, and even our enemies, “This is my beloved child; with you I am well pleased.” We may not be standing in the Jordan River with John the Baptist pouring water over us, but we, who are baptized Catholics, are “children of God.” To the extent that we are doing our best to be all that God created us to be; to identify, accept, develop and use all of the talents, abilities and gifts that God has given to us for ourselves and for others, we can be sure that God is well pleased with us. And, if we are good stewards of our prayer life and truly listen for God’s will for us, we may not hear his voice with our ears, but we will know in our hearts that God is saying to us, too, “This is my beloved child, with you I am well pleased.”
January 17, 2010 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Do whatever he tells you!” John 2:1-11
The Bible records four times when Mary speaks: At the Annunciation she concludes by saying, “May it be done unto me according to your word,” [20 words] Luke 1:34, 38. When she visits Elizabeth she proclaims the Magnificat, [125 words] Luke 1:46-55. Then Mary scolds Jesus for staying behind in Jerusalem, [20 words] Luke 2:48. Mary’s last words in the Bible are at the wedding feast at Cana. She says to Jesus, “They have no more wine;” then to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you!” [10 words] John 23:4. Mary is a woman of few words, [a total of 175 words recorded in the Bible]. But what powerful words they are. From “May it be done unto me according to your word.” to “Do whatever he tells you!” she gives us a model of faith, courage and openness to God’s will. She challenges us to listen to Jesus in prayer and to do whatever he tells us; to become all that God created us to be. What is such a “woman of a few words” telling us today? Probably: “Do whatever he tells you!”
January 24, 2010 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke: 4:21
Jesus, his parents, and his grandparents lived in the small town of Nazareth that had a population of about 400 people and would have fit inside the physical boundaries on an average sized parish. In the synagogue at Nazareth, after reading a passage from Isaiah, Jesus declared “Today this passage is fulfilled in your hearing… The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” How would you react if someone you know in your parish stood up and said that? Now imagine the speaker says to you, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon you…” and you have been sent to do all of those things. As a result of our Baptism and Confirmation the Spirit is upon us and we have an obligation to do all those things – and more.
January 31, 2010 – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” Luke 4:22
In his home town of Nazareth, Jesus read a passage from Isaiah that prophesied the coming of the Messiah. He closed the scroll and claimed it had been fulfilled in their hearing. They “all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.” But they instinctively realized that if Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph, the carpenter, were truly the Messiah, he was destined to do great things. And, if he did great things, he might challenge them to do great things. He had grown up among them and was like them. They became fearful and agitated and tried to throw him off of a high cliff at the top of the craggy hill where Nazareth is located. From our youth we have learned about Jesus through the revealed Word of God. We have come to know him as the Messiah who did great things and who saved us by his death and resurrection. We know he expects us to be all that God created us to be. How do we respond? Do we try to throw Jesus over a high cliff? Or do we try to imitate Jesus and do great things?
Formando Buenos Corresponsables
Enero 3, 2010 – La Epifanía del Señor
“¿Dónde está el rey de los judíos que ha nacido? Porque su estrella hemos visto en el oriente y venimos a adorarle.” Mateo 2:1-12
La Fiesta de la Epifanía se originó en la Iglesia Oriental y se celebra en el Rito Romano como la manifestación del Señor a los astrólogos (magos) de Persia (hoy Irán). Los astrólogos hicieron el largo y difícil viaje a Belén para rendir homenaje a un niño Judío recién nacido. Para nosotros la Fiesta de la Epifanía es otra oportunidad para reflexionar sobre el verdadero significado del nacimiento de Cristo –Dios encarnado –y sobre cómo se manifiesta Él en nuestras vidas. Es una oportunidad para considerar: durante el Adviento y la celebración de la Navidad, ¿crecimos en nuestra comprensión y apreciación de Dios, presente entre nosotros? ¿Hicimos un esfuerzo como el de los Magos para presentar un regalo al Niño Jesús? ¿El regalo de nuestro tiempo y el compromiso para participar con más de nuestros talentos y recursos en la misión de la Iglesia a través de una mayor contribución a nuestra comunidad parroquial de fe? Y si no, no es muy tarde. Esos dones florecen en nuestras vidas. ¿Estamos dispuestos a compartirlos con otros? ¿Estamos dispuestos a manifestar a Jesús (hacerle presente) a otros?
Enero 10, 2010 – Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Tú eres mi Hijo amado; en Tí tengo complacencia.” Lucas 3:15-16, 21-22
Estas son las palabras que se escucharon del cielo después de que Jesús convenció a Juan de bautizarlo en el Río Jordán. Imagine que sentiríamos si estando de pie entre nuestra familia, amigos, y aún nuestros enemigos, una voz del cielo dijera, “tú eres mi hijo amado; en ti tengo complacencia.” Tal vez no estemos en el Río Jordán con Juan el Bautista vertiendo agua sobre nosotros, pero quienes somos Católicos bautizados, somos “hijos de Dios.” Al grado que hacemos nuestro mejor esfuerzo para ser todo lo que Dios estableció que seamos; para identificar, aceptar, desarrollar y usar todos los talentos, habilidades y dones que Dios nos ha dado para nosotros mismos y para los demás, podemos estar seguros de que Dios está complacido con nosotros. Y, si somos buenos corresponsables de nuestra vida de oración y escuchamos verdaderamente la voluntad de Dios, sabremos en nuestros corazones que Dios nos está diciendo también: “Tú eres mi hijo amado, en ti tengo complacencia”.
Enero 17, 2010 – Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Haced todo lo que él os dijere” Juan 2:1-11
La Biblia documenta cuatro ocasiones en las que María habla: en la Anunciación, ella concluye diciendo, “Hágase conmigo conforme a tu palabra,” (20 palabras) Lucas 1:34, 38. Cuando visita a Isabel, ella proclama el Magníficat, (125 palabras) Lucas 1:46-55. Entonces María reprende a Jesús por quedarse en Jerusalén, (20 palabras) Lucas 2:48. Las últimas palabras de María en la Biblia son en la fiesta de la boda en Caná. Ella le dice a Jesús “No tienen más vino” entonces dijo a los sirvientes, “Haced todo lo que él os dijere.” (10 palabras) Juan 2:3-4. María es una mujer de pocas palabras, (un total de 175 palabras documentadas en la Biblia). Pero, qué poderosas palabras. Desde “Hágase conmigo conforme a tu palabra,” hasta “Haced todo lo que él os dijere,” ella nos ofrece un modelo de fe, valor y apertura a la voluntad de Dios. Ella nos desafía a escuchar a Jesús en oración y hacer todo lo que nos diga; para llegar a ser todo lo que Dios estableció que nosotros seamos. ¿Qué nos dice hoy esa “mujer de pocas palabras”? Probablemente: “Hagan todo lo que Él les diga.”
Enero 24, 2010 – Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Hoy se ha cumplido esta Escritura delante de vosotros.” Lucas: 4:21
Jesús, sus padres, y sus abuelos vivieron en el pequeño pueblo de Nazaret, que tenía una población de 400 habitantes. Estando en la sinagoga, después de leer un pasaje de Isaías, Jesús declaró, “Hoy se ha cumplido esta Escritura delante de vosotros…El espíritu del Señor está sobre mí por cuanto me ha ungido para dar buenas nuevas a los pobres. Él me ha enviado a pregonar libertad a los cautivos y vista a los ciegos; a poner en libertad a los oprimidos y predicar el año agradable del Señor.” ¿Cómo reaccionaría usted si alguien que conoce se levantara y dijera esto? Imagine que quien está hablando le dijera a usted, “El espíritu del Señor está sobre usted…y usted ha sido enviado a hacer todas esas cosas. Como resultado de nuestro Bautismo y Confirmación, el Espíritu está sobre nosotros y tenemos una obligación de hacer todas esas cosas… y más.
Enero 31, 2010 – Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“¿No es éste el hijo de José?” Lucas 4:22
“En Nazaret, su pueblo natal, Jesús leyó un pasaje de Isaías en el que profetizó la llegada del Mesías. Cerró el pergamino y dijo, la profecía se ha cumplido. Todos hablaban de él y se maravillaban de las palabras que salían de su boca.” Pero instintivamente, ellos sabían que si Jesús, el hijo de María y José, el carpintero, era verdaderamente el Mesías, estaría destinado a grandes proezas. Él había crecido entre ellos y era como ellos. Se sintieron temerosos y agitados y trataron de arrojarlo de lo alto de un acantilado de los escarpados montes donde se localizaba Nazaret. Desde nuestra juventud aprendimos acerca de Jesús a través de la Palabra de Dios, revelada. Sabemos que es el Mesías, quien hizo grandes cosas y nos salvó por su muerte y resurrección. Sabemos que él espera que seamos lo que Dios estableció que seamos. ¿Cómo respondemos nosotros? ¿Tratamos de arrojar a Jesús de un alto acantilado? O ¿tratamos de imitar a Jesús y hacer grandes cosas?
Source: by Deacon Jerry Martinez, Archdiocese of New Orleans
“‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.’” Matthew 2:1-12
The Feast of the Epiphany originated in the Eastern Church and is celebrated in the Roman Rite as the Manifestation of the Lord to astrologers [Magi] from Persia [present day Iran]. The astrologers made the long and difficult journey to Bethlehem to pay homage to a newborn Jewish child. For us, the Feast of the Epiphany is another opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the Birth of Christ – God Incarnate – and how He is manifested in our lives. It is an opportunity to ponder: During Advent and the celebration of Christmas, did we grow in our understanding and appreciation of God present among us? Did we make an effort equivalent to the Magi to present a gift to the Child Jesus – the gift of our time and a commitment to contribute more of our talents and resources to the mission of the Church through greater involvement in our parish faith community? If not, it is not too late. Those gifts abound in our lives. Are we willing to share them with others? Are we willing to manifest Jesus [make Him present] to others?
Jan. 10, 2010 – Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“This is my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
Those are the words that a voice from heaven spoke after Jesus convinced John to baptize him in the Jordan River. Imagine how we would feel if a voice from heaven said to us, as we stood among our family and friends, and even our enemies, “This is my beloved child; with you I am well pleased.” We may not be standing in the Jordan River with John the Baptist pouring water over us, but we, who are baptized Catholics, are “children of God.” To the extent that we are doing our best to be all that God created us to be; to identify, accept, develop and use all of the talents, abilities and gifts that God has given to us for ourselves and for others, we can be sure that God is well pleased with us. And, if we are good stewards of our prayer life and truly listen for God’s will for us, we may not hear his voice with our ears, but we will know in our hearts that God is saying to us, too, “This is my beloved child, with you I am well pleased.”
January 17, 2010 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Do whatever he tells you!” John 2:1-11
The Bible records four times when Mary speaks: At the Annunciation she concludes by saying, “May it be done unto me according to your word,” [20 words] Luke 1:34, 38. When she visits Elizabeth she proclaims the Magnificat, [125 words] Luke 1:46-55. Then Mary scolds Jesus for staying behind in Jerusalem, [20 words] Luke 2:48. Mary’s last words in the Bible are at the wedding feast at Cana. She says to Jesus, “They have no more wine;” then to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you!” [10 words] John 23:4. Mary is a woman of few words, [a total of 175 words recorded in the Bible]. But what powerful words they are. From “May it be done unto me according to your word.” to “Do whatever he tells you!” she gives us a model of faith, courage and openness to God’s will. She challenges us to listen to Jesus in prayer and to do whatever he tells us; to become all that God created us to be. What is such a “woman of a few words” telling us today? Probably: “Do whatever he tells you!”
January 24, 2010 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke: 4:21
Jesus, his parents, and his grandparents lived in the small town of Nazareth that had a population of about 400 people and would have fit inside the physical boundaries on an average sized parish. In the synagogue at Nazareth, after reading a passage from Isaiah, Jesus declared “Today this passage is fulfilled in your hearing… The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” How would you react if someone you know in your parish stood up and said that? Now imagine the speaker says to you, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon you…” and you have been sent to do all of those things. As a result of our Baptism and Confirmation the Spirit is upon us and we have an obligation to do all those things – and more.
January 31, 2010 – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” Luke 4:22
In his home town of Nazareth, Jesus read a passage from Isaiah that prophesied the coming of the Messiah. He closed the scroll and claimed it had been fulfilled in their hearing. They “all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.” But they instinctively realized that if Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph, the carpenter, were truly the Messiah, he was destined to do great things. And, if he did great things, he might challenge them to do great things. He had grown up among them and was like them. They became fearful and agitated and tried to throw him off of a high cliff at the top of the craggy hill where Nazareth is located. From our youth we have learned about Jesus through the revealed Word of God. We have come to know him as the Messiah who did great things and who saved us by his death and resurrection. We know he expects us to be all that God created us to be. How do we respond? Do we try to throw Jesus over a high cliff? Or do we try to imitate Jesus and do great things?
Formando Buenos Corresponsables
Enero 3, 2010 – La Epifanía del Señor
“¿Dónde está el rey de los judíos que ha nacido? Porque su estrella hemos visto en el oriente y venimos a adorarle.” Mateo 2:1-12
La Fiesta de la Epifanía se originó en la Iglesia Oriental y se celebra en el Rito Romano como la manifestación del Señor a los astrólogos (magos) de Persia (hoy Irán). Los astrólogos hicieron el largo y difícil viaje a Belén para rendir homenaje a un niño Judío recién nacido. Para nosotros la Fiesta de la Epifanía es otra oportunidad para reflexionar sobre el verdadero significado del nacimiento de Cristo –Dios encarnado –y sobre cómo se manifiesta Él en nuestras vidas. Es una oportunidad para considerar: durante el Adviento y la celebración de la Navidad, ¿crecimos en nuestra comprensión y apreciación de Dios, presente entre nosotros? ¿Hicimos un esfuerzo como el de los Magos para presentar un regalo al Niño Jesús? ¿El regalo de nuestro tiempo y el compromiso para participar con más de nuestros talentos y recursos en la misión de la Iglesia a través de una mayor contribución a nuestra comunidad parroquial de fe? Y si no, no es muy tarde. Esos dones florecen en nuestras vidas. ¿Estamos dispuestos a compartirlos con otros? ¿Estamos dispuestos a manifestar a Jesús (hacerle presente) a otros?
Enero 10, 2010 – Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Tú eres mi Hijo amado; en Tí tengo complacencia.” Lucas 3:15-16, 21-22
Estas son las palabras que se escucharon del cielo después de que Jesús convenció a Juan de bautizarlo en el Río Jordán. Imagine que sentiríamos si estando de pie entre nuestra familia, amigos, y aún nuestros enemigos, una voz del cielo dijera, “tú eres mi hijo amado; en ti tengo complacencia.” Tal vez no estemos en el Río Jordán con Juan el Bautista vertiendo agua sobre nosotros, pero quienes somos Católicos bautizados, somos “hijos de Dios.” Al grado que hacemos nuestro mejor esfuerzo para ser todo lo que Dios estableció que seamos; para identificar, aceptar, desarrollar y usar todos los talentos, habilidades y dones que Dios nos ha dado para nosotros mismos y para los demás, podemos estar seguros de que Dios está complacido con nosotros. Y, si somos buenos corresponsables de nuestra vida de oración y escuchamos verdaderamente la voluntad de Dios, sabremos en nuestros corazones que Dios nos está diciendo también: “Tú eres mi hijo amado, en ti tengo complacencia”.
Enero 17, 2010 – Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Haced todo lo que él os dijere” Juan 2:1-11
La Biblia documenta cuatro ocasiones en las que María habla: en la Anunciación, ella concluye diciendo, “Hágase conmigo conforme a tu palabra,” (20 palabras) Lucas 1:34, 38. Cuando visita a Isabel, ella proclama el Magníficat, (125 palabras) Lucas 1:46-55. Entonces María reprende a Jesús por quedarse en Jerusalén, (20 palabras) Lucas 2:48. Las últimas palabras de María en la Biblia son en la fiesta de la boda en Caná. Ella le dice a Jesús “No tienen más vino” entonces dijo a los sirvientes, “Haced todo lo que él os dijere.” (10 palabras) Juan 2:3-4. María es una mujer de pocas palabras, (un total de 175 palabras documentadas en la Biblia). Pero, qué poderosas palabras. Desde “Hágase conmigo conforme a tu palabra,” hasta “Haced todo lo que él os dijere,” ella nos ofrece un modelo de fe, valor y apertura a la voluntad de Dios. Ella nos desafía a escuchar a Jesús en oración y hacer todo lo que nos diga; para llegar a ser todo lo que Dios estableció que nosotros seamos. ¿Qué nos dice hoy esa “mujer de pocas palabras”? Probablemente: “Hagan todo lo que Él les diga.”
Enero 24, 2010 – Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“Hoy se ha cumplido esta Escritura delante de vosotros.” Lucas: 4:21
Jesús, sus padres, y sus abuelos vivieron en el pequeño pueblo de Nazaret, que tenía una población de 400 habitantes. Estando en la sinagoga, después de leer un pasaje de Isaías, Jesús declaró, “Hoy se ha cumplido esta Escritura delante de vosotros…El espíritu del Señor está sobre mí por cuanto me ha ungido para dar buenas nuevas a los pobres. Él me ha enviado a pregonar libertad a los cautivos y vista a los ciegos; a poner en libertad a los oprimidos y predicar el año agradable del Señor.” ¿Cómo reaccionaría usted si alguien que conoce se levantara y dijera esto? Imagine que quien está hablando le dijera a usted, “El espíritu del Señor está sobre usted…y usted ha sido enviado a hacer todas esas cosas. Como resultado de nuestro Bautismo y Confirmación, el Espíritu está sobre nosotros y tenemos una obligación de hacer todas esas cosas… y más.
Enero 31, 2010 – Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
“¿No es éste el hijo de José?” Lucas 4:22
“En Nazaret, su pueblo natal, Jesús leyó un pasaje de Isaías en el que profetizó la llegada del Mesías. Cerró el pergamino y dijo, la profecía se ha cumplido. Todos hablaban de él y se maravillaban de las palabras que salían de su boca.” Pero instintivamente, ellos sabían que si Jesús, el hijo de María y José, el carpintero, era verdaderamente el Mesías, estaría destinado a grandes proezas. Él había crecido entre ellos y era como ellos. Se sintieron temerosos y agitados y trataron de arrojarlo de lo alto de un acantilado de los escarpados montes donde se localizaba Nazaret. Desde nuestra juventud aprendimos acerca de Jesús a través de la Palabra de Dios, revelada. Sabemos que es el Mesías, quien hizo grandes cosas y nos salvó por su muerte y resurrección. Sabemos que él espera que seamos lo que Dios estableció que seamos. ¿Cómo respondemos nosotros? ¿Tratamos de arrojar a Jesús de un alto acantilado? O ¿tratamos de imitar a Jesús y hacer grandes cosas?
Source: by Deacon Jerry Martinez, Archdiocese of New Orleans
STEWARDSHIP BULLETIN NOTES
January 3 – Epiphany
The word epiphany is secularly defined as, ‘a sudden intuitive perception or insight into the reality [truth] or essential meaning of something.’ Stewardship often becomes a way of life in an epiphany – a flash of insight that changes the way in which we view the purpose and meaning of our lives. Christ is the way, the truth and the light. The stewardship way of life means swimming against the tide of over-consumerism, rampant materialism, and selfish individualism, but we do so with the truth at our side.
January 10 – Baptism of the Lord
Baptism is the Sacrament of Faith. We are called to continue to grow in our faith in the midst of a community of believers. Stewardship is a way of living out what we say we believe. This means that we are willing to share a generous portion of our lives and our possessions with God, with our faith community, and with the world. Vatican II points out that all the baptized are “bound to show forth, by the example of their lives and by the witness of their speech” that new life they receive in baptism.
January 17 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
At the wedding in Cana, Jesus turned what would have been an embarrassing situation for the bride and groom into a glorious event. The servants trusted Jesus and did as He told them. Through our Lord, a miracle took place – transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary! Good stewards know that when they trust in God and step out of their comfort zones, their ordinary gifts can be transformed for extraordinary purposes.
January 24 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
There exists in our parish community a diversity of unique gifts. God has provided us with these gifts in order to advance His Kingdom. Our sisters and brothers in other Christian denominations have also been blessed with unique gifts that are being used for the same purpose. This week, the Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity comes to a close. We pray that throughout the year all Christians would be good stewards of their relationships, seeking to understand each other, being always patient and humble, and listening to one another, so that the Body of Christ may be truly united.
January 31 – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Here we are… one month already gone in 2010! What did you resolve to change this year? Stewardship calls us to change the way we think about who we are and what we possess. What changes in your life is God calling you to? Is it maybe to spend more time in prayer; are you feeling a need to share a more generous portion of your financial blessings; or maybe you sense a desire to respond to a particular call to use your gifts in the service of others?
NOTAS DEL BOLETÍN DE CORRESPONSABILIDAD
Enero 3 – Epifanía
La palabra epifanía en lenguaje secular es definida como: “una súbita percepción intuitiva o cercana a una realidad (verdad) o significado esencial de algo”. La corresponsabilidad se con-vierte frecuentemente en una forma de vida en la epifanía –una chispa de percepción que cambia la manera en la que vemos el propósito y signifi-cado de nuestras vidas. Cristo es el camino, la verdad y la luz. La forma de vida de la corres-ponsabilidad significa nadar contra la marea del sobre-consumismo, del materialismo desenfrena-do, y el individualismo egoísta, pero hacemos esto con la verdad a nuestro lado.
Enero 10 – Bautismo del Señor
El Bautismo es el Sacramento de la Fe. Nosotros somos llamados a continuar el creci-miento de nuestra fe en medio de la comunidad de creyentes. La corresponsabilidad es una forma de vivir lo que decimos que creemos. Esto signi-fica que estamos dispuestos a compartir una generosa porción de nuestras vidas y nuestras posesiones con Dios, con nuestra comunidad de fe, y con el mundo. El Concilio Vaticano II in-dica que todos los bautizados “deben de mostrar, a través del ejemplo de sus vidas y por el testimonio de su palabra” esa nueva vida que ellos recibieron en el bautismo.
Enero 17 –2º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
En la boda en Caná, Jesús convirtió en evento glorioso, lo que pudo haber sido una situación vergonzosa para la novia y el novio. Los sirvientes confiaron en Jesús e hicieron lo que Él les dijo. ¡Un milagro se realizó a través de nues-tro Señor, transformando lo ordinario en extra-ordinario! Los buenos corresponsables saben que cuando confían en Dios y salen de sus zonas de confort, sus dones ordinarios pueden transfor-marse en propósitos extraordinarios.
Enero 24 – 3er Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
En nuestra comunidad parroquial existe una diversidad de dones únicos. Dios nos ha provisto con estos dones únicos para continuar Su Reino. Esta semana, Semana Anual de Oración por la Unidad Cristiana, está por terminar. Nosotros oramos para que a través del año todos los Cristianos sean buenos corresponsables de sus relaciones, busquen la comprensión unos con los otros, sean siempre pacientes y humildes, y se escuchen unos a otros, para que así el Cuerpo de Cristo pueda estar unido verdaderamente.
Enero 31 – 4o Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
Aquí estamos… ¡Un mes del 2010 se ha ido! ¿Qué resolvió usted cambiar este año? La corresponsabilidad nos llama a cambiar la manera de pensar acerca de quienes somos y qué poseemos. ¿Cuáles son los cambios que Dios le solicita en su vida? ¿Tal vez dedicar más tiempo a la oración? ¿Siente necesidad de compartir una porción más generosa de sus bendiciones financieras? O ¿quizás siente el deseo de responder a un llamado particular para usar sus dones en el servicio a otros?
The word epiphany is secularly defined as, ‘a sudden intuitive perception or insight into the reality [truth] or essential meaning of something.’ Stewardship often becomes a way of life in an epiphany – a flash of insight that changes the way in which we view the purpose and meaning of our lives. Christ is the way, the truth and the light. The stewardship way of life means swimming against the tide of over-consumerism, rampant materialism, and selfish individualism, but we do so with the truth at our side.
January 10 – Baptism of the Lord
Baptism is the Sacrament of Faith. We are called to continue to grow in our faith in the midst of a community of believers. Stewardship is a way of living out what we say we believe. This means that we are willing to share a generous portion of our lives and our possessions with God, with our faith community, and with the world. Vatican II points out that all the baptized are “bound to show forth, by the example of their lives and by the witness of their speech” that new life they receive in baptism.
January 17 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
At the wedding in Cana, Jesus turned what would have been an embarrassing situation for the bride and groom into a glorious event. The servants trusted Jesus and did as He told them. Through our Lord, a miracle took place – transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary! Good stewards know that when they trust in God and step out of their comfort zones, their ordinary gifts can be transformed for extraordinary purposes.
January 24 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
There exists in our parish community a diversity of unique gifts. God has provided us with these gifts in order to advance His Kingdom. Our sisters and brothers in other Christian denominations have also been blessed with unique gifts that are being used for the same purpose. This week, the Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity comes to a close. We pray that throughout the year all Christians would be good stewards of their relationships, seeking to understand each other, being always patient and humble, and listening to one another, so that the Body of Christ may be truly united.
January 31 – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Here we are… one month already gone in 2010! What did you resolve to change this year? Stewardship calls us to change the way we think about who we are and what we possess. What changes in your life is God calling you to? Is it maybe to spend more time in prayer; are you feeling a need to share a more generous portion of your financial blessings; or maybe you sense a desire to respond to a particular call to use your gifts in the service of others?
NOTAS DEL BOLETÍN DE CORRESPONSABILIDAD
Enero 3 – Epifanía
La palabra epifanía en lenguaje secular es definida como: “una súbita percepción intuitiva o cercana a una realidad (verdad) o significado esencial de algo”. La corresponsabilidad se con-vierte frecuentemente en una forma de vida en la epifanía –una chispa de percepción que cambia la manera en la que vemos el propósito y signifi-cado de nuestras vidas. Cristo es el camino, la verdad y la luz. La forma de vida de la corres-ponsabilidad significa nadar contra la marea del sobre-consumismo, del materialismo desenfrena-do, y el individualismo egoísta, pero hacemos esto con la verdad a nuestro lado.
Enero 10 – Bautismo del Señor
El Bautismo es el Sacramento de la Fe. Nosotros somos llamados a continuar el creci-miento de nuestra fe en medio de la comunidad de creyentes. La corresponsabilidad es una forma de vivir lo que decimos que creemos. Esto signi-fica que estamos dispuestos a compartir una generosa porción de nuestras vidas y nuestras posesiones con Dios, con nuestra comunidad de fe, y con el mundo. El Concilio Vaticano II in-dica que todos los bautizados “deben de mostrar, a través del ejemplo de sus vidas y por el testimonio de su palabra” esa nueva vida que ellos recibieron en el bautismo.
Enero 17 –2º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
En la boda en Caná, Jesús convirtió en evento glorioso, lo que pudo haber sido una situación vergonzosa para la novia y el novio. Los sirvientes confiaron en Jesús e hicieron lo que Él les dijo. ¡Un milagro se realizó a través de nues-tro Señor, transformando lo ordinario en extra-ordinario! Los buenos corresponsables saben que cuando confían en Dios y salen de sus zonas de confort, sus dones ordinarios pueden transfor-marse en propósitos extraordinarios.
Enero 24 – 3er Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
En nuestra comunidad parroquial existe una diversidad de dones únicos. Dios nos ha provisto con estos dones únicos para continuar Su Reino. Esta semana, Semana Anual de Oración por la Unidad Cristiana, está por terminar. Nosotros oramos para que a través del año todos los Cristianos sean buenos corresponsables de sus relaciones, busquen la comprensión unos con los otros, sean siempre pacientes y humildes, y se escuchen unos a otros, para que así el Cuerpo de Cristo pueda estar unido verdaderamente.
Enero 31 – 4o Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
Aquí estamos… ¡Un mes del 2010 se ha ido! ¿Qué resolvió usted cambiar este año? La corresponsabilidad nos llama a cambiar la manera de pensar acerca de quienes somos y qué poseemos. ¿Cuáles son los cambios que Dios le solicita en su vida? ¿Tal vez dedicar más tiempo a la oración? ¿Siente necesidad de compartir una porción más generosa de sus bendiciones financieras? O ¿quizás siente el deseo de responder a un llamado particular para usar sus dones en el servicio a otros?
Source: from Dan Potvin, Archdiocese of Winnipeg
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Faith and Culture Are Both Inside Us, Both Tell Us What To Think And Do
In his book, The Difference God Makes: A Catholic Vision of Faith, Communion and Culture, Cardinal Francis E. George writes, "Culture is a normative system, and so is faith. If the faith and culture clash or disagree, as they always do to some extent, it is because faith is a gift from God and culture is a human construct. There will be tension in us because the faith and culture are both inside us."
Faith and culture both tell us what to do, what to value, and what to believe. In our modern culture, the highest value is personal freedom -- the right to do whatever we choose without the interference of others. For faith, the primary value is obedience to the will of God. According to Cardinal George, "in a secularized culture, belief in an almighty God, an all-powerful God, seems a threat to human freedom." Seen with the eyes of faith, God creates us from nothing and saves us from our sins. Properly understood, there is no way God can be an impediment to human freedom. "But in a secularized culture," Cardinal George writes, "God is implicitly, in some sense, a rival, a competitor to human beings, a threat."
The most obvious example of the clash between faith and culture in contemporary experience is the fundamental disagreement about human life issues -- especially abortion and euthanasia but also the full range of issues concerning sexuality, contraception and even the definitions of marriage and family. Faith tells us that life is sacred, that only God can choose between life and death. Our culture objects to anyone other than the individual person (or their surrogate) exercising authority over these personal, private decisions. Faith tells us that we are called to follow Jesus Christ as disciples who find true freedom in surrendering to the will of the Father. Subtly, but with great influence, modern culture bids us to become disciples of the latest fad or fashion or celebrity even as we claim to be totally independent.
At the heart of these disagreements, Cardinal George says, is a crisis that goes beyond moral choices to the most basic question of human existence: Are we the dependent creatures of an all-powerful God, or are we ourselves gods—free to do whatever we please without regard for the personal or social consequences?
"I would argue that the primary crisis at this moment, and always," Cardinal George writes, "is a crisis of discipleship, of conversion to Jesus Christ individually and socially within his body, the Church. Next, there is a crisis of marriage for life and for the sake of family." Discipleship, first and foremost, and then marriage and family: These are the two most important issues facing us as individuals and as a Church. First, are we free to do as we please -- or does true freedom come in surrender to the will of God? And, next, are we free to redefine marriage and family according to the values of our culture -- or does faith require us to see things a certain way, God's way, in spite of what we are taught day-in and day-out by the persistent voices of our secular culture?
For people of faith, these are stewardship questions. Faith is the gift we received at baptism. It is the gift we have been called to nourish and sustain and share with others by living as disciples of Jesus Christ. Prayer and the sacraments and the practice of daily Christian living teach us to surrender to the will of God. Sacred Scripture, preaching at the Sunday Eucharist, and the catechesis we receive through lifelong faith formation are all needed to help us distinguish God's will from our own wants and desires. As Cardinal George teaches, "the call of Christ himself, in the liturgy, in public devotion, in private prayer, has to be heard by every Catholic as a call to conversion."
We are called to follow Christ, not culture. That means being responsible stewards of the gift of faith. It means finding freedom (and truth) in the Gospels and in the lives of the saints, not in the lifestyles of the rich and famous. It means separating ourselves from what may be politically correct at this moment, and aligning ourselves with what is always good and true.
Faith and culture are both inside us. Both tell us what to think and do. How will we decide between them? As Cardinal George says, that is the primary crisis at this moment, and always. May the grace of Christ help us to choose wisely and well. May we be good stewards of the gift of faith now and always!
Copyright © 2010, Daniel Conway The Good Steward Vol.8 • No.1 • January 2010
Faith and culture both tell us what to do, what to value, and what to believe. In our modern culture, the highest value is personal freedom -- the right to do whatever we choose without the interference of others. For faith, the primary value is obedience to the will of God. According to Cardinal George, "in a secularized culture, belief in an almighty God, an all-powerful God, seems a threat to human freedom." Seen with the eyes of faith, God creates us from nothing and saves us from our sins. Properly understood, there is no way God can be an impediment to human freedom. "But in a secularized culture," Cardinal George writes, "God is implicitly, in some sense, a rival, a competitor to human beings, a threat."
The most obvious example of the clash between faith and culture in contemporary experience is the fundamental disagreement about human life issues -- especially abortion and euthanasia but also the full range of issues concerning sexuality, contraception and even the definitions of marriage and family. Faith tells us that life is sacred, that only God can choose between life and death. Our culture objects to anyone other than the individual person (or their surrogate) exercising authority over these personal, private decisions. Faith tells us that we are called to follow Jesus Christ as disciples who find true freedom in surrendering to the will of the Father. Subtly, but with great influence, modern culture bids us to become disciples of the latest fad or fashion or celebrity even as we claim to be totally independent.
At the heart of these disagreements, Cardinal George says, is a crisis that goes beyond moral choices to the most basic question of human existence: Are we the dependent creatures of an all-powerful God, or are we ourselves gods—free to do whatever we please without regard for the personal or social consequences?
"I would argue that the primary crisis at this moment, and always," Cardinal George writes, "is a crisis of discipleship, of conversion to Jesus Christ individually and socially within his body, the Church. Next, there is a crisis of marriage for life and for the sake of family." Discipleship, first and foremost, and then marriage and family: These are the two most important issues facing us as individuals and as a Church. First, are we free to do as we please -- or does true freedom come in surrender to the will of God? And, next, are we free to redefine marriage and family according to the values of our culture -- or does faith require us to see things a certain way, God's way, in spite of what we are taught day-in and day-out by the persistent voices of our secular culture?
For people of faith, these are stewardship questions. Faith is the gift we received at baptism. It is the gift we have been called to nourish and sustain and share with others by living as disciples of Jesus Christ. Prayer and the sacraments and the practice of daily Christian living teach us to surrender to the will of God. Sacred Scripture, preaching at the Sunday Eucharist, and the catechesis we receive through lifelong faith formation are all needed to help us distinguish God's will from our own wants and desires. As Cardinal George teaches, "the call of Christ himself, in the liturgy, in public devotion, in private prayer, has to be heard by every Catholic as a call to conversion."
We are called to follow Christ, not culture. That means being responsible stewards of the gift of faith. It means finding freedom (and truth) in the Gospels and in the lives of the saints, not in the lifestyles of the rich and famous. It means separating ourselves from what may be politically correct at this moment, and aligning ourselves with what is always good and true.
Faith and culture are both inside us. Both tell us what to think and do. How will we decide between them? As Cardinal George says, that is the primary crisis at this moment, and always. May the grace of Christ help us to choose wisely and well. May we be good stewards of the gift of faith now and always!
Copyright © 2010, Daniel Conway The Good Steward Vol.8 • No.1 • January 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
A Holy Day Has Dawned That Knows No Sunset
To the thirst for meaning and value so characteristic of today's world, to the search for prosperity and peace that marks the lives of all mankind, to the hopes of the poor: Christ — true God and true Man — responds with his Nativity. Neither individuals nor nations should be afraid to recognize and welcome him: with him "a shining light" brightens the horizon of humanity; in him "a holy day" dawns that knows no sunset.( Pope Benedict XVI, Urbi et Orbi Message, Christmas 2007)
Christ is born again bringing hope for all, and we rejoice. At the time of year that is naturally darkest, he brings inextinguishable light. At a time when many are tempted to believe in the absence of God, he becomes present once again and always. In spite of all the noise and distractions of our commercialized Christmas, he appears again -- quietly, unobtrusively, and with all the remoteness and simplicity of the first Nativity. Angels sing again. (Are we listening?) Shepherds pay him homage, and the wise men and women of our day seek him still. (Are we among them?)
Christ is born again, and the weary world is renewed. He brings hope for the poor. He brings peace for warring peoples. He brings prosperity to economies ruined by greed and irresponsibility. He brings "a shining light" into all the dark corners of our world.
Christ is born again, and our heavy hearts are lightened. The burdens we carry — fear and anxiety, guilt and sin — are lifted by his coming again. "Be not afraid," he tells us, and we are reassured. "Trust in me," he says, "your sins are forgiven," and we are consoled.
The truth which makes us free has enlightened our minds and hearts once again this Christmas. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands" (1 Jn 1-3) is Christ born again this Christmas. Come, let us adore him.
All year long, we worry and we struggle and we argue. At Christmas time, we are invited to give it up, to "let go and let God," to trust that all our troubles are truly in God's hands. God-is-with-us, Emmanuel, has come into our lives (as he does every day through the mystery of the Eucharist) to bring us peace. Why don't we let him?
Christmas is the time of year when we remember God's goodness to us. The gifts we receive are the faintest reminders of the Gift that Christ is to each of us. The Christmas carols we sing are merely echoes of the angels' song, "Peace on earth. Good will toward all." The bright colors and the Christmas lights pale in comparison to the shining star that has brightened the horizon of humanity for all time.
If we couldn't celebrate Christmas, we might well go mad. Our world would certainly be darker and more depressing. Where would we place our hope? In government? In Wall Street or Hollywood? Our prospects would be dim indeed.
No, we find our hope in a little child placed in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. His blessed mother, Mary, and his faithful guardian, the good steward Joseph, attend to him lovingly. Poor shepherds, dumb animals and mysterious strangers are his companions. The heavens rejoice and the earth resounds with hope.
What a wonderful day this is. How unlike most days! Today, a holy day has dawned that knows no sunset. Let us rejoice and be glad. Let us welcome the child Jesus into our hearts and our homes -- today and every day.
May the joys of the Christmas season fill your hearts with gladness. May you find holiness and hope this Christmas. And may the shining light of Christ bring prosperity and peace to you, and to our troubled world, this Christmas and throughout the New Year.
Merry Christmas!
Copyright © 2009, Daniel Conway
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Resources for Parish Bulletins - December 2009
A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
From Dan Potvin, Archdiocese of Winnipeg
From Dan Potvin, Archdiocese of Winnipeg
English version:
December 6th – 2nd Sunday of Advent
Generosity… authentic generosity is born
out of an attitude of gratitude. How generous are
you with your time? Advent is a time of
preparation. A generous portion of our time
given to prayer and to the service of others is a
good way to make Christ’s presence among us
known. Stewardship is living generously. Thank
you for your generosity this past year.
December 13th – 3rd Sunday of Advent
Trust… in our increasingly secular society
it is not fashionable to trust God. Stewardship
means that we are grateful for our many
blessings, and we are generous with our lives
and our possessions. In living this way we learn
to trust more in God and less in ourselves.
Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship, and
our relationship with God is no different. God
trusts us to do our part and we must trust
explicitly in God.
December 20th – 4th Sunday of Advent
Gratitude, Generosity & Trust… these
have been the focus of our stewardship
reflections the first three Sundays of Advent.
Having these in our hearts we are more ready as
we await Christ’s coming. This coming week
will be a week filled with joyful anticipation.
Good stewards live in anticipation of fulfilling,
doing, and sharing in the Master’s work.
December 27th – Holy Family
Mary and Joseph went searching for their son
“in great anxiety.” They were understandably
worried. There are times when we worry about
the young people in our lives. There are also
times when they amaze us! Let us pray that in
the coming year our faith community will
continue to respond to the needs of families, and
encourage and enable our young people to share
their unique gifts. Amen.
Spanish version:
Notas del Boletín de Corresponsabilidad
Por: Dan Potvin, Arquidiócesis de Winnipeg
Diciembre 6 – Segundo Domingo de Adviento
Generosidad…la auténtica generosidad nace
de una actitud de gratitud. ¿Qué tan generoso es
con su tiempo? El Adviento es un tiempo de
preparación. Una buena manera de dar a conocer
la presencia de Cristo entre nosotros es dedicar
una generosa porción de nuestro tiempo a la
oración y al servicio de nuestro prójimo. La
corresponsabilidad es vivir generosamente.
Gracias por su generosidad durante este año que
está por llegar a su fin.
Diciembre 13 – Tercer Domingo de Adviento
Confianza… en nuestra creciente sociedad
secular, confiar en Dios no está de moda. La
corresponsabilidad significa que nosotros
estamos agradecidos por las numerosas
bendiciones y que somos generosos con nuestras
vidas y nuestras posesiones. Al vivir de esta
manera, nosotros aprendemos a confiar más en
Dios y menos en nosotros mismos. La
confianza es la piedra angular de cualquier
relación, y nuestra relación con Dios no es
diferente. Dios confía en que nosotros hagamos
nuestra parte y nosotros debemos confiar
explícitamente en Dios.
Diciembre 20 – Cuarto Domingo de Adviento
Gratitud, Generosidad y Confianza…
estos temas deben ser el centro de nuestras
reflexiones de corresponsabilidad los primeros
tres domingos de Adviento. Teniéndolos en
nuestros corazones, nosotros estaremos más
preparados mientras esperamos la llegada de
Cristo. Esta semana entrante será una semana
llena con un gozo anticipado. Los buenos
corresponsables viven en expectativa de cumplir,
hacer y compartir el trabajo del Maestro.
Diciembre 27 – La Sagrada Familia
María y José buscaron a su hijo ‘con gran
ansiedad’. Ellos estaban, comprensiblemente,
muy preocupados. Hay momentos en los que nos
preocupamos por los niños y jóvenes en nuestras
vidas. Hay también momentos en los que ellos
nos sorprenden. Oremos para que en el año por
venir nuestra comunidad de fe continúe
respondiendo a las necesidades de las familias,
para que aliente y permita a nuestros jóvenes
compartir sus dones únicos. Amén.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Stewardship Prayer
I offer this day to you,
dear God.
Thank you for the blessings
you have given me.
May I use these gifts
to build your kingdom.
May my actions be a reflection
of your love.
May what I do today
bring others closer to you.
May my words be kind and gentle
and may they bring joy to others.
Today, help me to give back a portion
of what you have given to me.
I ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen.
dear God.
Thank you for the blessings
you have given me.
May I use these gifts
to build your kingdom.
May my actions be a reflection
of your love.
May what I do today
bring others closer to you.
May my words be kind and gentle
and may they bring joy to others.
Today, help me to give back a portion
of what you have given to me.
I ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen.
Monday, November 2, 2009
We Dare Not Take God's Gifts for Granted
In the Gospel According to Mark (Mk 10:46-52), Jesus says to Bartimaeus, a blind man, "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus answers, "Master, I want to see."
Sight, like everything else we possess, is a gift from God. We don't earn it or deserve it. We receive it. Most of us receive the gift of sight at the same time we receive the gift of life. It's like the premium package that comes with a new car: automatic transmission, power steering, brakes and door locks, an audio system with CD changer and more. The package most of us were born with included the gifts of sight and hearing and speech -- and many other natural gifts that we take for granted every day.
Bartimaeus didn't receive the gift of sight when he was born. As a result of that birth defect, and whatever other personal troubles he experienced growing up, his lot in life was to sit by the roadside begging. Then he encountered Jesus. Mark's Gospel says that he heard that it was Jesus. There was nothing wrong with his hearing. In fact, like many sightless people, he probably had especially good hearing. So he cried out, "Jesus, son of David have pity on me."
The people around him told him to be quiet. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Until Jesus heard him and told the disciples to "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up; Jesus is calling you." At which point the blind man jumped up, threw off his coat and ran to Jesus.
"What do you want me to do?" Jesus says. I want the gift of sight, Bartimaeus answers. "Go your way; your faith has saved you," Jesus tells him. Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
No more roadside begging for Bartimaeus. He followed Jesus on the way. That means he became a disciple, a follower of Jesus, and "the way" is the disciple’s path, the way of the Cross, the road that all of us who seek to follow Jesus must take -- each in our own way.
When Bartimaeus received the gift of sight and decided to follow Jesus "on the way," he became a Christian steward -- one who receives God's gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them generously with others and returns them to the Lord with increase. These are the characteristics of a Christian steward that are described in the American bishops' pastoral letter, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response.
What does the experience of Bartimaeus teach us today? If we have received a gift from God - or many, many gifts from God - it’s our responsibility to say thank you. And to take good care of our gifts. And to share them generously with other people.
The story of Bartimaeus also reminds us that the Church is a gift that no one "deserves" or "earned" or is "entitled to." We received this Church from God and from all the people who worked so hard during the past 2000 years to build up the Body of Christ and to establish and sustain our local Churches with all their parishes, schools and Catholic institutions (and including all the wonderful facilities, staffs and ministries) that are now available to people throughout the world.
Catholics are generous people. Many participate actively in the ministries and community life of our Church. Many serve the needs of others within their parishes and far beyond individual parish and diocesan boundaries. Many support their diocese's annual appeal and the collections that support the Church's work nationally and internationally. And a growing number of adults, youth and children in various regions of the world now see themselves as faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us.
The story of Bartimaeus reminds us that we dare not take any of God's gifts for granted. If we want our parishes to be vibrant communities of faith, we must participate in our Church's mission. If we want our children and youth to receive an outstanding Catholic education, we must support our parish formation programs and our schools. If we want good pastors and beautiful liturgy and the kind of ministries that can only be found in a dynamic community of faith, we must pray for vocations and encourage talented young people to respond generously to God's call. Above all, we must continue to be good and faithful stewards of all God's gifts (spiritual and material).
All it takes to be a good steward is the same courage that Bartimaeus showed when he threw off his coat and ran blindly to Jesus. And when the Lord asks us, "What do you want me to do for you," our response should be: Help us to see how blessed we are! Then Jesus will say to each of us: Go your way; your faith has saved you. Then it will be our turn to follow Jesus on the way.
Copyright © 2009, Daniel Conway
Sight, like everything else we possess, is a gift from God. We don't earn it or deserve it. We receive it. Most of us receive the gift of sight at the same time we receive the gift of life. It's like the premium package that comes with a new car: automatic transmission, power steering, brakes and door locks, an audio system with CD changer and more. The package most of us were born with included the gifts of sight and hearing and speech -- and many other natural gifts that we take for granted every day.
Bartimaeus didn't receive the gift of sight when he was born. As a result of that birth defect, and whatever other personal troubles he experienced growing up, his lot in life was to sit by the roadside begging. Then he encountered Jesus. Mark's Gospel says that he heard that it was Jesus. There was nothing wrong with his hearing. In fact, like many sightless people, he probably had especially good hearing. So he cried out, "Jesus, son of David have pity on me."
The people around him told him to be quiet. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Until Jesus heard him and told the disciples to "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up; Jesus is calling you." At which point the blind man jumped up, threw off his coat and ran to Jesus.
"What do you want me to do?" Jesus says. I want the gift of sight, Bartimaeus answers. "Go your way; your faith has saved you," Jesus tells him. Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
No more roadside begging for Bartimaeus. He followed Jesus on the way. That means he became a disciple, a follower of Jesus, and "the way" is the disciple’s path, the way of the Cross, the road that all of us who seek to follow Jesus must take -- each in our own way.
When Bartimaeus received the gift of sight and decided to follow Jesus "on the way," he became a Christian steward -- one who receives God's gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them generously with others and returns them to the Lord with increase. These are the characteristics of a Christian steward that are described in the American bishops' pastoral letter, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response.
What does the experience of Bartimaeus teach us today? If we have received a gift from God - or many, many gifts from God - it’s our responsibility to say thank you. And to take good care of our gifts. And to share them generously with other people.
The story of Bartimaeus also reminds us that the Church is a gift that no one "deserves" or "earned" or is "entitled to." We received this Church from God and from all the people who worked so hard during the past 2000 years to build up the Body of Christ and to establish and sustain our local Churches with all their parishes, schools and Catholic institutions (and including all the wonderful facilities, staffs and ministries) that are now available to people throughout the world.
Catholics are generous people. Many participate actively in the ministries and community life of our Church. Many serve the needs of others within their parishes and far beyond individual parish and diocesan boundaries. Many support their diocese's annual appeal and the collections that support the Church's work nationally and internationally. And a growing number of adults, youth and children in various regions of the world now see themselves as faithful stewards of the gifts God has given us.
The story of Bartimaeus reminds us that we dare not take any of God's gifts for granted. If we want our parishes to be vibrant communities of faith, we must participate in our Church's mission. If we want our children and youth to receive an outstanding Catholic education, we must support our parish formation programs and our schools. If we want good pastors and beautiful liturgy and the kind of ministries that can only be found in a dynamic community of faith, we must pray for vocations and encourage talented young people to respond generously to God's call. Above all, we must continue to be good and faithful stewards of all God's gifts (spiritual and material).
All it takes to be a good steward is the same courage that Bartimaeus showed when he threw off his coat and ran blindly to Jesus. And when the Lord asks us, "What do you want me to do for you," our response should be: Help us to see how blessed we are! Then Jesus will say to each of us: Go your way; your faith has saved you. Then it will be our turn to follow Jesus on the way.
Copyright © 2009, Daniel Conway
Resources for Parish Bulletins - November 2009
A Stewardship Moment
English Version:
For the weekend of October 31 / November 1, 2009
The Solemnity of All Saints
In today’s Gospel Jesus begins the “Sermon on the Mount,”
with the “Beatitudes.” Many Christian commentators believe
these short messages of comfort and hope address the essence
of living a life in Christ. But what does it mean for the
Christian steward to be poor in spirit, to hunger for justice,
to be meek, clean of heart, or be a peacemaker? To embrace
Christian stewardship is to live the Beatitudes, and to turn society’s
expectations upside down, to live by different values,
a different set of standards. What can we do today to be good
stewards of the Beatitudes?
For the weekend of November 7/8, 2009
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Times
Jesus points out to his disciples the poor widow who has just
dropped two simple copper coins into the temple treasury. He
then delivers a teaching on stewardship. Despite her poverty,
the poor widow in today’s Gospel does not refuse God her
generosity. Out of her desperately impoverished life she contributes
to an earthly institution to give God glory and praise.
It is not the monetary value of the gift that was important, but
the love, trust and gratitude expressed through the gift. The
Gospel asks us similarly compelling stewardship questions:
What do we value? In what or whom do we place our trust?
How do our own contributions to our community of faith reflect
our generosity toward God?
For the weekend of November 14/15, 2009
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
How would you spend your day if you knew it was the last
day you would spend on earth? Undoubtedly, it would not
be a normal day. The point of today’s Gospel reading is that
the end-time is always imminent. The good steward remains
prayerfully alert, ready to give an accounting; and living each
day in the awareness of the coming judgment and salvation.
How do we exercise stewardship over our daily lives? Are we
prepared to give an accounting? How will we allow Christ to
work in and through us to prepare for the reconciliation of
the heavens and the earth?
For the weekend of November 21/22, 2009
Solemnity of Christ the King
Today’s Gospel reading records, arguably, the most important
exchange in all of literature, the one between Jesus and Pilate.
While Pilate presumes the conversation is about an earthly,
political “king,” Jesus, by contrast, suggests to Pilate that he is
that “faithful witness” of a wholly transcendent kingship, one
that is envisioned by Daniel and the reading from the Book
of Revelations. As we approach the Advent season, this week
would be a good time to reflect on how we understand our
role as stewards of this transcendent kingship and how we
can better serve Christ to bring about this new kingdom.
For the weekend of November 28/29
First Sunday of Advent
A profound stewardship blessing is offered by St. Paul to the
Thessalonians in today’s second reading. He encourages the
community to continue to show loving concern for its members
and to care for the needs of others. We witness for the
first time the spirituality of stewardship at work in a New Testament
community that is putting the Eucharist into action.
An Advent spirit prevails that is transforming and filled with
hope for the coming of the Lord Jesus. What are we doing to
promote this spirit of stewardship in our personal lives and in
our community of faith?
Para el fin de semana del 31 de octubre/ 1º de noviembre de 2009
Solemnidad de Todos los Santos
En el Evangelio de hoy Jesús inicia el “Sermón en la Montaña,”
con las “Bienaventuranzas.” Muchos comentaristas Cristianos
creen que estos pequeños mensajes de consuelo y esperanza
hablan de la esencia de vivir una vida en Cristo. Pero, ¿qué
significa para el Cristiano corresponsable ser pobre en espíritu,
tener hambre de justicia, ser humilde, limpio de corazón, o ser
un conciliador de paz? Abrazar la corresponsabilidad Cristiana es
vivir las Bienaventuranzas, y tornar al revés las expectativas de la
sociedad; vivir con valores diferentes, y disponer otros estándares.
¿Qué podemos hacer hoy para ser buenos corresponsables de las
Bienaventuranzas?
Para el fin de semana del 7/8 de noviembre de 2009
Trigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
Jesús habla a sus discípulos acerca de la pobre viuda que depositó
dos sencillas monedas de cobre en el cofre del templo. Él ilustra
con esta narración, la enseñanza sobre la corresponsabilidad. A
pesar de su pobreza, la pobre viuda en el Evangelio de hoy no
rechaza su generosidad para Dios. Aún en su desesperada vida,
empobrecida, ella contribuye a una institución terrenal para
dar gloria y alabanza a Dios. Lo más importante no es el valor
monetario, sino el amor, la confianza y la gratitud expresados
a través de la donación. De la misma manera el Evangelio
nos hace persuasivas preguntas de corresponsabilidad: ¿qué
valoramos nosotros? ¿En qué, o en quién ponemos nuestra
confianza? ¿Cómo reflejan nuestra generosidad hacia Dios, las
contribuciones que hacemos a nuestra comunidad de fe?
Para el fin de semana del 14/15 de noviembre de 2009
Trigésimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
¿Cómo viviría su día, si supiera que este es su último día de
vida en la tierra? Indudablemente, este no sería un día normal.
El punto de la lectura del Evangelio de hoy es que el final
del tiempo es siempre inminente. El buen corresponsable
permanece piadosamente en alerta, listo para dar cuentas, y
vivir cada día en conocimiento del juicio y la salvación por
venir. ¿Cómo ejercitamos diariamente la corresponsabilidad
en nuestras vidas? ¿Estamos preparados para entregar cuentas?
¿Cómo permitiremos a Cristo trabajar en nosotros, y a través de
nosotros, en la preparación para la reconciliación de los cielos
y la tierra?
Para el fin de semana del 21/22 de noviembre de 2009
Solemnidad de Cristo Rey
La lectura del Evangelio de hoy registra, posiblemente el
intercambio de información más importante en toda la literatura,
el diálogo entre Jesús y Pilatos. Pilatos asume la conversación
en términos terrenales, “rey” político; Jesús, por el contrario,
sugiere a Pilatos que él es ese “testimonio verdadero” de un
reino totalmente trascendente, aquel que es anunciado por
Daniel y la lectura del Libro de las Revelaciones. Esta semana,
al aproximarse, la estación de Adviento, podría ser un buen
momento para reflexionar acerca de cómo entendemos nuestro
rol como corresponsables de este reino trascendente y cómo
podemos servir mejor a Cristo para traer este nuevo reino.
Para el fin de semana de 28/29 de noviembre de 2009
Primer Domingo de Adviento
En la segunda lectura de hoy, San Pablo ofrece una profunda
bendición a los Tesalonicenses. Él impulsa a la comunidad a
continuar mostrando amorosa preocupación por sus miembros
y a cuidar de las necesidades de otros. Nosotros atestiguamos
por primera vez la espiritualidad de la corresponsabilidad en
el trabajo, en una comunidad del Nuevo Testamento que está
poniendo la Eucaristía en acción. Prevalece en ella un espíritu
de Adviento que transforma y llena con anticipación la venida
del Señor Jesús. ¿Qué estamos haciendo para promover este
espíritu de corresponsabilidad en nuestras vidas personales y en
nuestra comunidad de fe?
Source: ICSC November e-newsletter
English Version:
For the weekend of October 31 / November 1, 2009
The Solemnity of All Saints
In today’s Gospel Jesus begins the “Sermon on the Mount,”
with the “Beatitudes.” Many Christian commentators believe
these short messages of comfort and hope address the essence
of living a life in Christ. But what does it mean for the
Christian steward to be poor in spirit, to hunger for justice,
to be meek, clean of heart, or be a peacemaker? To embrace
Christian stewardship is to live the Beatitudes, and to turn society’s
expectations upside down, to live by different values,
a different set of standards. What can we do today to be good
stewards of the Beatitudes?
For the weekend of November 7/8, 2009
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Times
Jesus points out to his disciples the poor widow who has just
dropped two simple copper coins into the temple treasury. He
then delivers a teaching on stewardship. Despite her poverty,
the poor widow in today’s Gospel does not refuse God her
generosity. Out of her desperately impoverished life she contributes
to an earthly institution to give God glory and praise.
It is not the monetary value of the gift that was important, but
the love, trust and gratitude expressed through the gift. The
Gospel asks us similarly compelling stewardship questions:
What do we value? In what or whom do we place our trust?
How do our own contributions to our community of faith reflect
our generosity toward God?
For the weekend of November 14/15, 2009
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
How would you spend your day if you knew it was the last
day you would spend on earth? Undoubtedly, it would not
be a normal day. The point of today’s Gospel reading is that
the end-time is always imminent. The good steward remains
prayerfully alert, ready to give an accounting; and living each
day in the awareness of the coming judgment and salvation.
How do we exercise stewardship over our daily lives? Are we
prepared to give an accounting? How will we allow Christ to
work in and through us to prepare for the reconciliation of
the heavens and the earth?
For the weekend of November 21/22, 2009
Solemnity of Christ the King
Today’s Gospel reading records, arguably, the most important
exchange in all of literature, the one between Jesus and Pilate.
While Pilate presumes the conversation is about an earthly,
political “king,” Jesus, by contrast, suggests to Pilate that he is
that “faithful witness” of a wholly transcendent kingship, one
that is envisioned by Daniel and the reading from the Book
of Revelations. As we approach the Advent season, this week
would be a good time to reflect on how we understand our
role as stewards of this transcendent kingship and how we
can better serve Christ to bring about this new kingdom.
For the weekend of November 28/29
First Sunday of Advent
A profound stewardship blessing is offered by St. Paul to the
Thessalonians in today’s second reading. He encourages the
community to continue to show loving concern for its members
and to care for the needs of others. We witness for the
first time the spirituality of stewardship at work in a New Testament
community that is putting the Eucharist into action.
An Advent spirit prevails that is transforming and filled with
hope for the coming of the Lord Jesus. What are we doing to
promote this spirit of stewardship in our personal lives and in
our community of faith?
Un Momento de Corresponsabilidad
Spanish Version:Para el fin de semana del 31 de octubre/ 1º de noviembre de 2009
Solemnidad de Todos los Santos
En el Evangelio de hoy Jesús inicia el “Sermón en la Montaña,”
con las “Bienaventuranzas.” Muchos comentaristas Cristianos
creen que estos pequeños mensajes de consuelo y esperanza
hablan de la esencia de vivir una vida en Cristo. Pero, ¿qué
significa para el Cristiano corresponsable ser pobre en espíritu,
tener hambre de justicia, ser humilde, limpio de corazón, o ser
un conciliador de paz? Abrazar la corresponsabilidad Cristiana es
vivir las Bienaventuranzas, y tornar al revés las expectativas de la
sociedad; vivir con valores diferentes, y disponer otros estándares.
¿Qué podemos hacer hoy para ser buenos corresponsables de las
Bienaventuranzas?
Para el fin de semana del 7/8 de noviembre de 2009
Trigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
Jesús habla a sus discípulos acerca de la pobre viuda que depositó
dos sencillas monedas de cobre en el cofre del templo. Él ilustra
con esta narración, la enseñanza sobre la corresponsabilidad. A
pesar de su pobreza, la pobre viuda en el Evangelio de hoy no
rechaza su generosidad para Dios. Aún en su desesperada vida,
empobrecida, ella contribuye a una institución terrenal para
dar gloria y alabanza a Dios. Lo más importante no es el valor
monetario, sino el amor, la confianza y la gratitud expresados
a través de la donación. De la misma manera el Evangelio
nos hace persuasivas preguntas de corresponsabilidad: ¿qué
valoramos nosotros? ¿En qué, o en quién ponemos nuestra
confianza? ¿Cómo reflejan nuestra generosidad hacia Dios, las
contribuciones que hacemos a nuestra comunidad de fe?
Para el fin de semana del 14/15 de noviembre de 2009
Trigésimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario
¿Cómo viviría su día, si supiera que este es su último día de
vida en la tierra? Indudablemente, este no sería un día normal.
El punto de la lectura del Evangelio de hoy es que el final
del tiempo es siempre inminente. El buen corresponsable
permanece piadosamente en alerta, listo para dar cuentas, y
vivir cada día en conocimiento del juicio y la salvación por
venir. ¿Cómo ejercitamos diariamente la corresponsabilidad
en nuestras vidas? ¿Estamos preparados para entregar cuentas?
¿Cómo permitiremos a Cristo trabajar en nosotros, y a través de
nosotros, en la preparación para la reconciliación de los cielos
y la tierra?
Para el fin de semana del 21/22 de noviembre de 2009
Solemnidad de Cristo Rey
La lectura del Evangelio de hoy registra, posiblemente el
intercambio de información más importante en toda la literatura,
el diálogo entre Jesús y Pilatos. Pilatos asume la conversación
en términos terrenales, “rey” político; Jesús, por el contrario,
sugiere a Pilatos que él es ese “testimonio verdadero” de un
reino totalmente trascendente, aquel que es anunciado por
Daniel y la lectura del Libro de las Revelaciones. Esta semana,
al aproximarse, la estación de Adviento, podría ser un buen
momento para reflexionar acerca de cómo entendemos nuestro
rol como corresponsables de este reino trascendente y cómo
podemos servir mejor a Cristo para traer este nuevo reino.
Para el fin de semana de 28/29 de noviembre de 2009
Primer Domingo de Adviento
En la segunda lectura de hoy, San Pablo ofrece una profunda
bendición a los Tesalonicenses. Él impulsa a la comunidad a
continuar mostrando amorosa preocupación por sus miembros
y a cuidar de las necesidades de otros. Nosotros atestiguamos
por primera vez la espiritualidad de la corresponsabilidad en
el trabajo, en una comunidad del Nuevo Testamento que está
poniendo la Eucaristía en acción. Prevalece en ella un espíritu
de Adviento que transforma y llena con anticipación la venida
del Señor Jesús. ¿Qué estamos haciendo para promover este
espíritu de corresponsabilidad en nuestras vidas personales y en
nuestra comunidad de fe?
Source: ICSC November e-newsletter
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Prayer for My Parish
Gracious and loving God, we ask you to send
your Holy Spirit upon our parish to fill us
with love. Make us instruments of your love to
everyone that we encounter at home, at work,
in our neighborhoods, and in our parish community.
Work through us so that we can bring your
truth to those who are searching for you.
Help us to grow in gratitude so that we can
recognize and thank you for all the good
things you have given us.
Instill in us a deep sense of generosity so
that we are willing to share our gifts,
our talents, our time, and our financial
resources.
Deepen our desire to follow your will and to
do all things for your honor and glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lour
and Savior. Amen.
Source: Our Sunday Visitor
your Holy Spirit upon our parish to fill us
with love. Make us instruments of your love to
everyone that we encounter at home, at work,
in our neighborhoods, and in our parish community.
Work through us so that we can bring your
truth to those who are searching for you.
Help us to grow in gratitude so that we can
recognize and thank you for all the good
things you have given us.
Instill in us a deep sense of generosity so
that we are willing to share our gifts,
our talents, our time, and our financial
resources.
Deepen our desire to follow your will and to
do all things for your honor and glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lour
and Savior. Amen.
Source: Our Sunday Visitor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
