Stewardship - Time, Talent and Treasure
October 2010.
Sometimes when people take vacations, they go on a Cruise ship,
and sometimes their luggage is carried by a Cargo ship. Today
we are also taking a journey. The way we continue on our
journey and fellowship in the church is through “Steward-ship.”
A Steward is a person who cares for the property and or finance of
another. The Steward is judged on how much financial return
he can provide for his boss, the master. The Steward always
received a cut “of the action.” In the Gospel, the Steward
becomes aware that he is about to be let go. He goes to each
of his Master’s clients and cuts well into the debt owed to the
Master. He goes beyond the customary percentages. So he
is called the “dishonest Steward.” However, Jesus praises the
Steward because he exercises great initiative in his affairs, “the
ways of the world.” Jesus wishes that we all, the “Children of
the Light,” exercise greater initiative and creativity in our faith
life – as did the Steward.
The Steward is one who cares for the property of another, for a cut
of its financial value. This was part of the economic world in
the time of Jesus. Over the centuries, this concept has become
a description of the Christian sharing time, talent and treasure
with God, the Church, the Community. The Lord gives me all
these gifts – I now return a portion to the Lord in Thanksgiving.
In this picture of one’s return of portions to the Lord, I start
with God – first! As I look at my budget for the year, God
should be given first place. First fruits. I am so
thankful for what the Lord has given to me.
The Bishops: “A Christian Steward is one who receives God’s gifts
gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and
accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and
returns them with increase to the Lord.”
Time. All of our time should be God centered, which
means using our time to honor God. We should set aside a
portion of our week to focus on strengthening our relationship with
God through prayer, Mass, Scripture reading and serving others.
Talent. We should assess our strengths and
determine how they might be used to help build the Kingdom of God.
These strengths could be an overt talent like sewing, painting or an
internal skill such as organizing or listening. Each of us is
gifted and can perform some action to help others.
Treasure. Planning to return the first
portion of our earning to God is a way of showing our gratitude and
commitment to stewardship. Tithing, giving the first 10% of
what we receive, is the traditional Biblical guideline of how to
give to God. Our Diocese: 5% to the parish, 1% to the Diocese
(BAA), and 4% to our other charities and non-profits.
I have seen an increase in ministries and, our collection 09-10, our
first year as a Stewardship parish. You will receive a Parish
Stewardship Report this week, at church or mailed to your homes.
Accountability.
May you be blessed by the Lord!
Fr. Mike
Stewardship Downloads
| Time and Talent Worksheet | Stewardship Card 2010 | Stewardship Parish Report 2010 |