Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of September 3/4, 2011
In Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans he suggests that God lavishes his love upon us through Jesus Christ, who calls us to the kind of loving relationship, if we so choose it, that demands accountability. It is like, in Saint Paul’s vocabulary, a kind of "debt" that we can never "pay-in-full." But we begin to repay by following the direction of one of the most familiar statements in the Bible: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Good stewards realize that God does not call them just to love those who are easy to love, but to love the unloved and the hard-to-love people in this world as well. This week, remind yourself: "I am put here as an ambassador of God’s love."
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of September 10/11, 2011
Today’s Gospel reading continues Jesus’ instructions on being good stewards of others – the direction that if we love Jesus Christ, we must forgive an individual 77 times. The reading compels us to consider one of the most difficult practices of Christian discipleship. Forgiveness is the way of Jesus, the way of the cross. Vengeance, bitterness and hatred seem so much easier and certainly more desirable. Forgiveness is a hard road to travel, but it is the only road that leads to life in Christ. Consider this week who you need to forgive.
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of September 17/18, 2011
From an early age, we tend to distort the concept of "fairness": "I am good. I deserve good things. I am not receiving good things. Something must be wrong. Who’s going to fix it?" We also know the age-old expression: "Who ever said life was fair?" Jesus knew this expression when he offered his parable in today’s Gospel reading. Christian stewards acknowledge, with humility, that they receive good things from the Lord in abundance; even if these gifts are not the ones they think they need when they need them. Consider which servants you identify with most in the Gospel reading, the ones who demand "fairness", or that final servant who, seemingly, deserves the least.
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Weekend of September 24/25, 2011
Saint Augustine, a doctor of the church, once wrote that the first, second, and third most important attitude in Christianity is humility. In today’s second reading, Saint Paul is concerned with how we conduct ourselves in our community of faith. He urges us to let our conduct be worthy of the Gospel we say that we believe; and that it all begins with humility. He asks us to consider others better than ourselves, and to serve them by looking out for their best interest, not ours. Consider how Saint Paul’s appeal to imitating Christ’s humility can enhance your relationships.
Source: International Catholic Stewardship Council
Friday, September 2, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Stewardship Reflection
Although many in our culture deny any responsibility for the wrong they do, God does not see it that way. We may claim social ills or ignorance caused us to do evil, but the Lord declares, “The wicked shall die for his guilt.” Our words and deeds have consequences, and there are choices we can make that God sees as sinful.
But God does not want us to choose sin, and so we have the responsibility of warning the sinner, firmly but gently, of the results of his actions. If we’re the one who has been hurt, Jesus tells us to seek reconciliation privately first of all, but if that does not work, then bring in others. But ignoring sin is not an option, for then it grows and festers.
The steward is accountable to God for his use of the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to him. One aspect of being accountable is responsibility for fellow members of the Body of Christ. Offering correction, in a way that can be understood and accepted, comes with the territory. Otherwise, as the Lord announced through Ezekiel, “The wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.”
Source: The Catholic Steward Newsletter
But God does not want us to choose sin, and so we have the responsibility of warning the sinner, firmly but gently, of the results of his actions. If we’re the one who has been hurt, Jesus tells us to seek reconciliation privately first of all, but if that does not work, then bring in others. But ignoring sin is not an option, for then it grows and festers.
The steward is accountable to God for his use of the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to him. One aspect of being accountable is responsibility for fellow members of the Body of Christ. Offering correction, in a way that can be understood and accepted, comes with the territory. Otherwise, as the Lord announced through Ezekiel, “The wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.”
Source: The Catholic Steward Newsletter
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Msgr. Thomas McGread: Receiving, Cultivating and Sharing Your Gifts
The parable of the talents in Matthew’s Gospel is familiar to most of us. In fact, many of us have probably been told of its stewardship message time and again. But in my blog post today, I want to hit on a portion of that Gospel’s message that I believe is particularly important and pertinent as we all strive to live stewardship today.
In this parable, Jesus tells of a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his servants with his money while he’s gone.
“The one who received five talents came forward bringing the additional five … Then, the one who had received two talents also came forward and sad, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See I have made two more” (Mt. 25: 20, 22).
To both of these servants, the Master replies: “Well done my good and faithful servant… come, share your master’s joy… For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich.”
What does this mean for us as stewards of God’s gifts today? He expects us to cultivate and develop the gifts He has given us and return them with increase. And for what? It is definitely not for His sake, but for ours. He knows that in doing so we will become better people and grow deeper in our faith.
To illustrate that reality, I would like to tell a story.
When I was pastor of St. Francis Parish in Wichita, Kan., one of the things we did to encourage young people to live stewardship as a way of life is offer free organ lessons. In exchange for the lessons, the youth were asked to serve as organists at Mass. It worked wonders. Numerous young people signed up for the lessons, and the parish gained a few organists out of the deal.
This wasn’t a clever rouse to obtain free organists for the parish, though it might seem that way at first. In fact, I saw this as an opportunity to help the young parishioners identify a God-given talent, develop it, and give it back to God in service – all very important elements in the stewardship way of life. It was an opportunity for a hands-on life lesson, and it warms my heart to see how much of an impact that one small decision, that one little opportunity has had on the lives of some of those who took it.
Mindy Hatzmann, the daughter of St. Francis parishioners Carolyn and Dan Loughman, was one such youth. She spent time during her fifth-grade year learning to play. Mindy took to the organ quite well. It was obvious that she did indeed have a great talent, and the lessons were helping her cultivate it. In addition to practicing during her school recesses, Mindy played the organ for Sunday Masses, and she developed, not only a musical talent, but an understanding of how important it is for us to recognize the gifts God has given us, cultivate them, and, then, return them with increase to the Lord. As she continued to play the organ, she became a better organist and, in turn, as she gave back to the Lord by using her talent to serve the Church. Ultimately, she became a more faith-filled Catholic.
“I fell more deeply in love with the Mass the more I played,” Mindy once told me. “I began to understand a lot more about our Faith, and the more I used my God-given talent to serve, the more I understood about why God calls us to be good stewards.”
Today, many years later, as a wife and mother, Mindy’s life continues to bear witness to the importance of recognizing, cultivating, and returning our God-given gifts as she continues to use her talents to serve the Lord. The Church has benefitted through the years from the beautiful music Mindy has played that turned many people’s hearts to God. The Church also continues to benefit, as Mindy not only continues to serve herself, but as she raises her children to be grateful, giving stewards, as well.
I highlight Mindy’s story not to pinpoint a decision I made at pastor, nor, for that matter, to pat Mindy on the back (though I do believe she and her husband deserve to be recognized for the decisions they’ve made and the life of stewardship that they live). I wanted to call your attention to Mindy’s story because it bears witness to two of the most important aspects of the stewardship way of life – cultivating our gifts and returning them with increase to the Lord.
God has given each one of us many gifts. If we cultivate them responsibly, and then return them to the Lord in grateful service, we are sure to grow in faith and we are sure to bring many others closer to the Lord as well. That is the beauty of discipleship lived through stewardship – it builds the Church.
I challenge each and every one of you to follow suit. Then, God-willing, one day you, too, will hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy.”
Source: The Catholic Steward, June 23, 2011
In this parable, Jesus tells of a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his servants with his money while he’s gone.
“The one who received five talents came forward bringing the additional five … Then, the one who had received two talents also came forward and sad, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See I have made two more” (Mt. 25: 20, 22).
To both of these servants, the Master replies: “Well done my good and faithful servant… come, share your master’s joy… For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich.”
What does this mean for us as stewards of God’s gifts today? He expects us to cultivate and develop the gifts He has given us and return them with increase. And for what? It is definitely not for His sake, but for ours. He knows that in doing so we will become better people and grow deeper in our faith.
To illustrate that reality, I would like to tell a story.
When I was pastor of St. Francis Parish in Wichita, Kan., one of the things we did to encourage young people to live stewardship as a way of life is offer free organ lessons. In exchange for the lessons, the youth were asked to serve as organists at Mass. It worked wonders. Numerous young people signed up for the lessons, and the parish gained a few organists out of the deal.
This wasn’t a clever rouse to obtain free organists for the parish, though it might seem that way at first. In fact, I saw this as an opportunity to help the young parishioners identify a God-given talent, develop it, and give it back to God in service – all very important elements in the stewardship way of life. It was an opportunity for a hands-on life lesson, and it warms my heart to see how much of an impact that one small decision, that one little opportunity has had on the lives of some of those who took it.
Mindy Hatzmann, the daughter of St. Francis parishioners Carolyn and Dan Loughman, was one such youth. She spent time during her fifth-grade year learning to play. Mindy took to the organ quite well. It was obvious that she did indeed have a great talent, and the lessons were helping her cultivate it. In addition to practicing during her school recesses, Mindy played the organ for Sunday Masses, and she developed, not only a musical talent, but an understanding of how important it is for us to recognize the gifts God has given us, cultivate them, and, then, return them with increase to the Lord. As she continued to play the organ, she became a better organist and, in turn, as she gave back to the Lord by using her talent to serve the Church. Ultimately, she became a more faith-filled Catholic.
“I fell more deeply in love with the Mass the more I played,” Mindy once told me. “I began to understand a lot more about our Faith, and the more I used my God-given talent to serve, the more I understood about why God calls us to be good stewards.”
Today, many years later, as a wife and mother, Mindy’s life continues to bear witness to the importance of recognizing, cultivating, and returning our God-given gifts as she continues to use her talents to serve the Lord. The Church has benefitted through the years from the beautiful music Mindy has played that turned many people’s hearts to God. The Church also continues to benefit, as Mindy not only continues to serve herself, but as she raises her children to be grateful, giving stewards, as well.
I highlight Mindy’s story not to pinpoint a decision I made at pastor, nor, for that matter, to pat Mindy on the back (though I do believe she and her husband deserve to be recognized for the decisions they’ve made and the life of stewardship that they live). I wanted to call your attention to Mindy’s story because it bears witness to two of the most important aspects of the stewardship way of life – cultivating our gifts and returning them with increase to the Lord.
God has given each one of us many gifts. If we cultivate them responsibly, and then return them to the Lord in grateful service, we are sure to grow in faith and we are sure to bring many others closer to the Lord as well. That is the beauty of discipleship lived through stewardship – it builds the Church.
I challenge each and every one of you to follow suit. Then, God-willing, one day you, too, will hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy.”
Source: The Catholic Steward, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Stewardship Reflection
Fr. Michael Troha: What Will God Ask Us?
We all get e-mails forwarded to us from family and friends from time to time. The jokes, videos, photos and sometimes inspirational messages oftentimes give us something to think about.
I once received a PowerPoint e-mail from a priest friend who is a retired Air Force chaplain, and it relates perfectly to what living the stewardship way of life is all about.
We will leave out the pictures and leave you with the words from:
“10 Things God Won’t Ask You on That Day“:
1. God won’t ask you what kind of car you drove. He’ll ask you how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
2. God won’t ask the square footage of your house. He’ll ask you how many people you welcomed into your home.
3. God won’t ask you about the clothes you had in your closet. He’ll ask you how many people you helped clothe.
4. God won’t ask you what your highest salary was. He’ll ask you if you compromised your character to obtain it.
5. God won’t ask you what your job title was. He’ll ask you if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
6. God won’t ask you how many friends you had. He’ll ask you how many people you befriended.
7. God won’t ask you in what neighborhood you lived. He’ll ask you how you treated your neighbors.
8. God won’t ask you about the color of your skin. He’ll ask you about the content of your character.
9. God won’t ask you why it took you so long to seek salvation. He’ll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven.
10. God won’t have to ask you how many people you spread this message to. He’ll already know.
God constantly gives us so many gifts. Living stewardship as a way of life helps us to share what we been given by God.
Source: The Catholic Steward.com : Stewardship Education, Advice and Best Practices, June 16, 2011
We all get e-mails forwarded to us from family and friends from time to time. The jokes, videos, photos and sometimes inspirational messages oftentimes give us something to think about.
I once received a PowerPoint e-mail from a priest friend who is a retired Air Force chaplain, and it relates perfectly to what living the stewardship way of life is all about.
We will leave out the pictures and leave you with the words from:
“10 Things God Won’t Ask You on That Day“:
1. God won’t ask you what kind of car you drove. He’ll ask you how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
2. God won’t ask the square footage of your house. He’ll ask you how many people you welcomed into your home.
3. God won’t ask you about the clothes you had in your closet. He’ll ask you how many people you helped clothe.
4. God won’t ask you what your highest salary was. He’ll ask you if you compromised your character to obtain it.
5. God won’t ask you what your job title was. He’ll ask you if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
6. God won’t ask you how many friends you had. He’ll ask you how many people you befriended.
7. God won’t ask you in what neighborhood you lived. He’ll ask you how you treated your neighbors.
8. God won’t ask you about the color of your skin. He’ll ask you about the content of your character.
9. God won’t ask you why it took you so long to seek salvation. He’ll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven.
10. God won’t have to ask you how many people you spread this message to. He’ll already know.
God constantly gives us so many gifts. Living stewardship as a way of life helps us to share what we been given by God.
Source: The Catholic Steward.com : Stewardship Education, Advice and Best Practices, June 16, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Stewardship Bulletin Announcements
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Thursday, June 2 or Weekend of June 4/5, 2011
In today’s gospel Jesus charges his followers to "make disciples of all nations." What exactly is going on here? What is this Great Commission anyway? Good stewards know they are directed to share what they exercise stewardship over: their life of faith in Christ Jesus. They know Jesus didn’t direct them to go to church but to keep quiet about it; or to go out into the neighborhood, workplace or marketplace and just be nice. Christ’s Good News is meant to be shared. Many people in our communities don’t know about Jesus Christ. Does that bother us? Do we care? Do we realize we are supposed to do something about it?
Seventh Sunday of Easter
(If Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension is celebrated Thursday, June 2)
Weekend of June 4/5, 2011
In today’s second reading, we hear it proclaimed that we are blessed if we share in the sufferings of Christ. What then does it mean to "share in His sufferings" in this context? Most of us do not live in a part of the world where we could be killed for being a follower of Jesus. But we could face or "suffer" mockery, ridicule and disapproval from others. Far too often, and for various reasons, those who profess faith in Christ act as though they are ashamed of him. But to act ashamed is the same as a denial. Stewards of the Good News are never ashamed to reveal their love for the Lord.
Pentecost SundayJune 12, 2011
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit among the believers of the early Church. Saint Paul reminds us of the special power the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon us and how that power gives us the potential to live extraordinary lives of faith. Good stewards recognize this power and use their gifts, through God’s channel of grace, to transform their lives and the lives of others, and thus hasten God’s Kingdom. Good stewards know that it is through the Holy Spirit that they can proclaim: "Jesus is Lord."
Weekend of June 18/19, 2011The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
In today’s second reading Saint Paul’s final appeal is a call for unity. God created that unity. Good stewards who share Christ’s life in the Eucharist belong to each other, just as God in the three persons of Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoy unity. We are an intimate part of God’s divine bond, God’s "family." Saint Paul maintains that we ought to act that way. In the Church there is a bond of family, yet plenty room for variety. Christian stewards use their uniquely varied gifts to live a Trinitarian faith, in unity, promoting Christ’s peace and justice. How do we promote unity in our parish?
June 26, 2011Solemnity of the Most Holy Bodyand Blood of Christ
Among the compelling Eucharistic themes proclaimed in today’s readings is the notion of "participation" as found in Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Good stewards are part of a Eucharistic family: loving, welcoming, serving. An important part of living as a steward comes about in the many ways we can participate in the life of the Church. No matter how much time we have to give, no matter what our skills or interests, no matter what our level of commitment, there is a way to participate as a good steward to enrich our lives, and build up the Body of Christ.
Source: June 2011 ICSC Parish-enews
Thursday, June 2 or Weekend of June 4/5, 2011
In today’s gospel Jesus charges his followers to "make disciples of all nations." What exactly is going on here? What is this Great Commission anyway? Good stewards know they are directed to share what they exercise stewardship over: their life of faith in Christ Jesus. They know Jesus didn’t direct them to go to church but to keep quiet about it; or to go out into the neighborhood, workplace or marketplace and just be nice. Christ’s Good News is meant to be shared. Many people in our communities don’t know about Jesus Christ. Does that bother us? Do we care? Do we realize we are supposed to do something about it?
Seventh Sunday of Easter
(If Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension is celebrated Thursday, June 2)
Weekend of June 4/5, 2011
In today’s second reading, we hear it proclaimed that we are blessed if we share in the sufferings of Christ. What then does it mean to "share in His sufferings" in this context? Most of us do not live in a part of the world where we could be killed for being a follower of Jesus. But we could face or "suffer" mockery, ridicule and disapproval from others. Far too often, and for various reasons, those who profess faith in Christ act as though they are ashamed of him. But to act ashamed is the same as a denial. Stewards of the Good News are never ashamed to reveal their love for the Lord.
Pentecost SundayJune 12, 2011
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit among the believers of the early Church. Saint Paul reminds us of the special power the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon us and how that power gives us the potential to live extraordinary lives of faith. Good stewards recognize this power and use their gifts, through God’s channel of grace, to transform their lives and the lives of others, and thus hasten God’s Kingdom. Good stewards know that it is through the Holy Spirit that they can proclaim: "Jesus is Lord."
Weekend of June 18/19, 2011The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
In today’s second reading Saint Paul’s final appeal is a call for unity. God created that unity. Good stewards who share Christ’s life in the Eucharist belong to each other, just as God in the three persons of Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoy unity. We are an intimate part of God’s divine bond, God’s "family." Saint Paul maintains that we ought to act that way. In the Church there is a bond of family, yet plenty room for variety. Christian stewards use their uniquely varied gifts to live a Trinitarian faith, in unity, promoting Christ’s peace and justice. How do we promote unity in our parish?
June 26, 2011Solemnity of the Most Holy Bodyand Blood of Christ
Among the compelling Eucharistic themes proclaimed in today’s readings is the notion of "participation" as found in Saint Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Good stewards are part of a Eucharistic family: loving, welcoming, serving. An important part of living as a steward comes about in the many ways we can participate in the life of the Church. No matter how much time we have to give, no matter what our skills or interests, no matter what our level of commitment, there is a way to participate as a good steward to enrich our lives, and build up the Body of Christ.
Source: June 2011 ICSC Parish-enews
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Science of Counting Blessings by Steve Foran
Social scientists are finally catching on to something that Christian stewards have known for centuries, namely: gratitude is beneficial to us as individuals and as a society. In fact, the results of ongoing gratitude research show promise in overcoming “the real world” challenges in building more vibrant communities and parishes. “The real world” is often seen as the place where we suffer lack of funding, too few resources, attitudes of indifference towards the church ... the list goes on and on. Regardless of the positive steps that parishes may undertake, unfortunately, people can remain fixated on a problem which often leads to a downward spiral.
The solution to “the real world” challenges is Christian stewardship which is now backed by scientific evidence. Researchers have found that if people simply count their blessings instead of their burdens, it increases their overall wellbeing.
The research has concluded that those who recorded their blessings felt better about their lives, had greater expectations and optimism for the coming week, had fewer symptoms of physical illness, spent more time exercising and were more likely to have helped someone.
There is a simple gold nugget in the research that reinforces the importance of Christian stewardship: Counting our blessings helps us live out our baptismal call as Christian disciples in a more vibrant and life-giving way. It is unlikely that the research comes as a surprise to anyone who embraces stewardship as a way of life, but how many of us actually take the time to write down our blessings each and every day?
In the spirit of the Easter season, I offer this simple two-part challenge in the hopes it will further renew your attitude and enliven your spirit. Part one ... each day write down three things for which you are grateful. You will successfully make this a habit if you find a time (morning, evening, lunch) and a place (in a journal, on your office calendar) that works for you.
What you record is too good to keep to yourself, which leads to part two ... at some point during the day, as part of a regular conversation, share what you wrote with someone else. Make a conversation of it by asking the other person what they are grateful for and why. This is very simple and easy to do and you will be glad you did.
(Steve Foran serves parishes and dioceses in making stewardship a way of life. He can be reached through his website at giveraising.com.)
Editors note – For further information on the study of gratitude and its positive effects, check out the research of Robert A. Emmons, professor of psychology at the University of California-Davis, pioneer in the research on gratitude and one of the leading scholars in positive psychology. He is the author of Thanks: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2007). Another scholar who studies gratitude is Michael E. McCullough, professor of psychology at the University of Miami and director of its Evolution and Human Behavior Laboratory.
The solution to “the real world” challenges is Christian stewardship which is now backed by scientific evidence. Researchers have found that if people simply count their blessings instead of their burdens, it increases their overall wellbeing.
The research has concluded that those who recorded their blessings felt better about their lives, had greater expectations and optimism for the coming week, had fewer symptoms of physical illness, spent more time exercising and were more likely to have helped someone.
There is a simple gold nugget in the research that reinforces the importance of Christian stewardship: Counting our blessings helps us live out our baptismal call as Christian disciples in a more vibrant and life-giving way. It is unlikely that the research comes as a surprise to anyone who embraces stewardship as a way of life, but how many of us actually take the time to write down our blessings each and every day?
In the spirit of the Easter season, I offer this simple two-part challenge in the hopes it will further renew your attitude and enliven your spirit. Part one ... each day write down three things for which you are grateful. You will successfully make this a habit if you find a time (morning, evening, lunch) and a place (in a journal, on your office calendar) that works for you.
What you record is too good to keep to yourself, which leads to part two ... at some point during the day, as part of a regular conversation, share what you wrote with someone else. Make a conversation of it by asking the other person what they are grateful for and why. This is very simple and easy to do and you will be glad you did.
(Steve Foran serves parishes and dioceses in making stewardship a way of life. He can be reached through his website at giveraising.com.)
Editors note – For further information on the study of gratitude and its positive effects, check out the research of Robert A. Emmons, professor of psychology at the University of California-Davis, pioneer in the research on gratitude and one of the leading scholars in positive psychology. He is the author of Thanks: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2007). Another scholar who studies gratitude is Michael E. McCullough, professor of psychology at the University of Miami and director of its Evolution and Human Behavior Laboratory.
A Stewardship Moment
Second Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday Weekend of April 30 / May 1, 2011
In today’s first reading, the four activities of the earliest church are introduced to us as priorities of the church: devotion to the teachings of the apostles, communal fellowship, the Eucharist and prayer. The early members of the church saw themselves as devoted stewards of these activities. These were not options. They were the fruits of a genuine conversion to a life in Christ. Sharing in the Eucharist was the most intimate expression of fellowship while the most common expression of fellowship in the New Testament was that of sharing financial resources – giving. It was not a perfect community, but one that gave evidence of God’s active presence in its midst. This early community offers us an excellent example of how to better exercise stewardship in our own parish families.
Third Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 7 / 8, 2011
As today’s gospel reveals, the first meal shared with the risen Lord happened in a place called Emmaus. Perhaps there is no better time to reflect on this story than in those prayerful moments at mass when we return to our place after receiving Holy Communion. Those few moments give us an opportunity to reflect on our stewardship of Christ’s presence within us. We have a chance to practice hospitality by inviting Jesus into our hearts to walk and talk with us about our own Emmaus journey. We can relive once again the time when he broke bread for the disciples. And just as they did, we too can recognize Christ in this meal we have just shared with others.
Fourth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 14 / 15, 2011
In today’s first reading Peter tells his listeners that if they want to follow Jesus they must go against the world, to become what Christian stewards would consider "countercultural." For stewards, being countercultural can consist of surprisingly small decisions—small acts of reorientation to remind them daily that in spite of their life situation, their citizenship, financial status, or color of their skin, they belong, through their baptism, to a new world order in Jesus Christ. Stewards understand that their daily choices should witness to his gospel, not to the trends, attitudes or spending practices of their culture. Stewardship requires us to ask of our daily habits: "In the light of the Gospel, is this important?"
Fifth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 21 / 22, 2011
In the first letter of Peter, we are taught that God made us and chose us to reveal to the world who he is. Christian stewards understand that they do not live for themselves. They live to be stewards of Christ’s presence within them, and to make his presence known to others. They do it at mass. They do it in faith-sharing groups. They do it at work. And they do it daily in a thousand different ways; and where they express their love for God and others in a manner that suits their situation and personality. Name for yourself some of the ways this week you will make Christ’s presence known to others.
Sixth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 28 / 29, 2011
In today’s gospel we go back in time to listen to Jesus as he gives instructions at the Last Supper. His words speak to all of us as he is preparing us to be sent out into the world to proclaim his Good News. The gift of the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the entire community of faith to do this work, not just a few. No one is to be excluded. Are we inclusive of everyone in our community? Are there those we choose to exclude because we don’t like them?
Source: ICSC May Newsletter
In today’s first reading, the four activities of the earliest church are introduced to us as priorities of the church: devotion to the teachings of the apostles, communal fellowship, the Eucharist and prayer. The early members of the church saw themselves as devoted stewards of these activities. These were not options. They were the fruits of a genuine conversion to a life in Christ. Sharing in the Eucharist was the most intimate expression of fellowship while the most common expression of fellowship in the New Testament was that of sharing financial resources – giving. It was not a perfect community, but one that gave evidence of God’s active presence in its midst. This early community offers us an excellent example of how to better exercise stewardship in our own parish families.
Third Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 7 / 8, 2011
As today’s gospel reveals, the first meal shared with the risen Lord happened in a place called Emmaus. Perhaps there is no better time to reflect on this story than in those prayerful moments at mass when we return to our place after receiving Holy Communion. Those few moments give us an opportunity to reflect on our stewardship of Christ’s presence within us. We have a chance to practice hospitality by inviting Jesus into our hearts to walk and talk with us about our own Emmaus journey. We can relive once again the time when he broke bread for the disciples. And just as they did, we too can recognize Christ in this meal we have just shared with others.
Fourth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 14 / 15, 2011
In today’s first reading Peter tells his listeners that if they want to follow Jesus they must go against the world, to become what Christian stewards would consider "countercultural." For stewards, being countercultural can consist of surprisingly small decisions—small acts of reorientation to remind them daily that in spite of their life situation, their citizenship, financial status, or color of their skin, they belong, through their baptism, to a new world order in Jesus Christ. Stewards understand that their daily choices should witness to his gospel, not to the trends, attitudes or spending practices of their culture. Stewardship requires us to ask of our daily habits: "In the light of the Gospel, is this important?"
Fifth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 21 / 22, 2011
In the first letter of Peter, we are taught that God made us and chose us to reveal to the world who he is. Christian stewards understand that they do not live for themselves. They live to be stewards of Christ’s presence within them, and to make his presence known to others. They do it at mass. They do it in faith-sharing groups. They do it at work. And they do it daily in a thousand different ways; and where they express their love for God and others in a manner that suits their situation and personality. Name for yourself some of the ways this week you will make Christ’s presence known to others.
Sixth Sunday of Easter • Weekend of May 28 / 29, 2011
In today’s gospel we go back in time to listen to Jesus as he gives instructions at the Last Supper. His words speak to all of us as he is preparing us to be sent out into the world to proclaim his Good News. The gift of the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the entire community of faith to do this work, not just a few. No one is to be excluded. Are we inclusive of everyone in our community? Are there those we choose to exclude because we don’t like them?
Source: ICSC May Newsletter
Monday, April 4, 2011
Stewardship Reflection for April 24, 2011
The Resurrection of the Lord - Easter Sunday April 24, 2011 The reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us that we, too, bear witness to the risen Lord. The presence of Christ is within us, making us new, transforming us, turning us into stewards of the Good News. There is no more time for holding grudges, disliking others, seeking vengeance, maintaining old prejudices, tolerating bias. We are Christ’s joy and instruments of his peace. Our world is reordered. Reflect on how we are called to let Christ’s forgiveness, reconciliation and love permeate our lives. We are Easter people. Rejoice! He is risen! Alleluia! Source: ICSC April Newsletter
Stewardship Reflection for April 23, 2011
The Resurrection of the Lord – Easter Vigil April 23, 2011 In tonight’s reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded that we are alive in Christ. And it is not merely once a year that we remember what Jesus did to give us this new life, forgiveness and peace. Every day good stewards remember their baptism. They remember that they are united with Jesus in his death; that daily they drown the old sinful nature, and that daily they rise to their new life in Christ. Let us be mindful every day, especially when we are troubled by life or tempted by sin, that our lives are no longer about us, but about Christ’s active, loving presence within us. That is our baptism. Alleluia! He is risen! Source: ICSC April Newsletter
Stewardship Reflection for April 17, 2011
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Weekend of April 16/17, 2011 In Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians he makes clear that Christ “emptied himself.” He was not “full of himself.” Jesus embraced the characteristics of humility, service and obedience to carry out the will of the Father. Christian stewards know that there is no room for the Lord in a life that is full of oneself. Christian stewards follow Christ’s example by taking on the characteristics of humility, servanthood and obedience. Our culture does not reward this attitude. But God exalts those stewards who for His sake, empty themselves. It is only when we empty ourselves that there is room for God to work within us. Source: ICSC April Newsletter
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
