Stewardship
Weekly Scripture Reflections
January 6, 2012 - Epiphany
The three wise men who came from the East to pay homage to the infant Jesus brought Him rich gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as part of their worship. What gifts have I brought to this celebration to offer to the newborn Savior?
January 8, 2012 - Baptism of Our Lord
Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. The U.S. bishops pastoral on stewardship reminds us that Baptism gives all of His disciples a share in His priestly work and calls them “to offer up the world and all that is in it — especially themselves — to the Lord of all.”
January 15, 2012 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s first reading, we hear Samuel respond eagerly, “Here I am!” each time the Lord calls him. May we, too, be listening for the call of God in our lives and be ready to say like the psalmist, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” See 1 Samuel 3:4; Psalm 40
January 22, 2012 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
There is a certain urgency in today’s Gospel as Jesus calls His first disciples — Andrew and Simon, James and John. Each one follows Jesus immediately, unhesitatingly abandoning nets and boats and father and fellow-workers. To what is Jesus calling me — at this moment, in these circumstances? What will I need to abandon in order to follow Him?
January 29, 2012 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Moses told the people, “The Lord will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own kinsmen.” God still provides among His people the gifts and talents necessary to continue the work of His Church. What gifts are yours to share? See Deuteronomy 18:15
February 5, 2012 – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Like St. Paul in the second reading, the good steward can say, “I do all that I do for the sake of the Gospel in the hope of sharing in its blessings.” See 1 Corinthians 9:23
February 12, 2012 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s second reading, St. Paul urges the Corinthians to “do all for the glory of God.” If we follow that advice in everything we do, we cannot help but be good stewards! See 1 Corinthians 10:31
February 19, 2012 - Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Forgiveness, too, is a gift from God. Freed from the paralysis of sin, the man in today’s Gospel was able to stand and give witness to the power of God. How do I let sin cripple me? Am I a good steward of the gift of God’s forgiveness?
February 23, 2012 - Ash Wednesday
In today’s Gospel Jesus warns that our giving must be done quietly, without hoping for recognition or applause. But He also promises that God, who sees even our most secret deeds, will reward those who fast, pray, and give alms.
February 26, 2012 - First Sunday of Lent
The waters of Baptism make us part of the new covenant in Christ. But the bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship reminds us that “there is a fundamental obligation arising from the Sacrament of Baptism. . . that people place their gifts, their resources — their selves —at God’s service in and through the Church.”
March 4, 2012 - Second Sunday of Lent
Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. St. Paul reminds us that God Himself “did not spare His own Son.” Are my gifts to the Lord — of my resources, of my time, of myself — also sacrificial? See Romans 8:32
March 11, 2012 - Third Sunday of Lent
“You shall not covet” is perhaps a difficult commandment to keep in our consumer-oriented society. But as Christian stewards, we know that we are the recipients and caretakers of God’s many gifts. May this understanding that all is gift help us be less resentful of the gifts of others.
March 18, 2012 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
All that we have and all that we are comes from the Lord. “We are truly his handiwork,” says St. Paul in the second reading, “created in Christ Jesus to lead a life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance.” See Ephesians 2:10
March 25, 2012 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
“If anyone would serve me,” says Jesus in today’s Gospel, “let him follow me; where I am, there will my servant be.” In what way is Jesus inviting me to follow Him? What service is He asking of me? See John 12:26
April 1, 2012 – Passion (Palm) Sunday
Good stewards strive to conform their lives to that of Christ — emptying themselves of all pride and putting themselves at the service of others.
April 8, 2012 - Easter
Alleluia! Christ is risen and is victorious over sin and death! We are good stewards of our faith if, like St. Paul, we share this good news whenever and wherever we can.
April 15, 2012 - Second Sunday of Easter
The Christian community described in Acts understood and practiced total stewardship. St. Paul reports that the believers did not claim anything as their own, but held everything in common, and distributed to each whatever was needed.
April 22, 2012 - Third Sunday of Easter
The disciples in today’s Gospel came to know Jesus in the breaking of the bread. When we share what we have with those who are in need, we, too, will discover Jesus in our midst.
April 29, 2012 - Fourth Sunday of Easter
To be good stewards we must be good shepherds, willing to lay down our lives for those committed to our care, not mere hired hands who run off, “leaving the sheep to be snatched and scattered by the wolf.” See John 10:12
May 6, 2012 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
The good steward lives the advice of St. John, loving in deed and in truth, rather than just talking about it.
or
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that God is glorified when a disciple, grafted in Christ, produces abundantly and bears much fruit. The disciple must then be a good steward of that abundance.
May 13, 2012 - Sixth Sunday of Easter
Jesus’ commandment is that His disciples love one another, even to the point of laying down their lives, if necessary. What gifts of myself — my skills and talents, my time and resources — will best demonstrate my love for God’s people?
May 17, 2012 - Ascension
Jesus ascended into heaven, blessing His disciples and promising that they would soon receive the power of the Holy Spirit. We who have received that promised gift of the Spirit are now empowered to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth — to use our time and talents to spread the good news of salvation.
May 20, 2012 - Seventh Sunday of Easter
Jesus is the perfect steward — watching carefully over all who have been entrusted to Him by the Father and then sending them all out into the world in service. May I similarly protect and wisely use the gifts entrusted to me!
May 27, 2012 - Pentecost
St. Paul reminds us today that all of our gifts have their source in the Holy Spirit and that those gifts are given “for the common good.”What gifts are mine to share?
June 3, 2012 - Trinity Sunday —
Today’s second reading reminds us that we are the adopted sons and daughters — the heirs — of God. We are good stewards of our inheritance when we share our faith and fulfill Our Lord’s command to “go . . . and make disciples of all the nations.” See Matthew 28:19
June 10, 2012 – Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden because of their disobedience. But Jesus says in today’s Gospel that when we are obedient to God’s will — when we use our gifts to serve one another — we are part of His family. “Whoever does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me.” This is the gift, and fruit, of Baptism. See Mark 3:35
June 17, 2012 - Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Like the sower in today’s Gospel, I scatter as seed my gifts of time, talent, and resources; and I trust that, by God’s grace and in God’s time, these small gifts of myself may grow and flourish and help to bring about the kingdom of God.
June 24, 2012 - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Paul reminds us in the second reading that Christ died “so that those who live might live no longer for themselves.”What we give to and do for others, we give to and do for Jesus! See 2 Corinthians 5:15
June 29, 2012 - Ss. Peter and Paul
Saints Peter and Paul worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel. Not all can be apostles, but we, too, must be good stewards of our vocations, using the gifts we’ve been given in the service of God’s kingdom.
July 1, 2012 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s reading from St. Paul explains the “divine economy” of stewardship — “The relief of others ought not to impoverish you; there should be a certain equality. Your plenty at the present time should supply their need so that their surplus may in turn one day supply your need.” See 2 Corinthians 8:13-14
July 8, 2012 - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
During this time, we celebrate the independence of our country. We would do well to echo the psalmist, saying, “Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His mercy.” May we always recognize and use wisely the gifts of freedom and abundance He has showered upon us. See Psalm 123
July 15, 2012 - Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s readings are about being chosen and sent. The prophet Amos was chosen by the Lord and sent to use his talents for the people of God. The Gospel recounts the story of the sending of the twelve. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we, too, are chosen. For what have I been chosen? To whom have I been sent?
July 22, 2012 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, Jesus had planned to slip away from the crowds for a few moments of peace and a little rest. When He saw the people gathered, however, He put His needs aside to meet the needs of others. Sometimes, as good stewards, we are called to do the same.
July 29, 2012 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“The hand of the Lord feeds us,” says the psalmist; “he answers all our needs.” Both Elisha’s servant in the first reading and the disciples in the Gospel story who witnessed the feeding of the five thousand saw this happen and knew it to be true. See Psalm 145
August 5, 2012 - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The crowd in today’s Gospel demanded a sign from Jesus. May our faithful stewardship be a sign to others that we, like the Ephesians in the second reading, have laid aside our former way of life and acquired a “fresh, spiritual way of thinking” in Christ.
August 6, 2012 - Transfiguration
In the Gospel today, Peter yearns to do something to make concrete the Transfiguration he had witnessed. But to be a good steward of this spiritual gift, he was instructed to be still, to listen to Jesus, and to wait for His direction. Good advice for us, too!
August 12, 2012 - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The gifts of God that the angel brought to Elijah — food, water, rest, and encouragement— were given, not for his own good alone, but to strengthen him for service. How am I using my gifts to serve others?
August 15, 2012 - Assumption
“After Jesus, it is the Blessed Virgin Mary who by her example most perfectly teaches the meaning of discipleship and stewardship. . . She was called and gifted by God; she responded generously, creatively and prudently; she understood her divinely assigned role as ‘handmaid’ in terms of service and fidelity.” (U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter, Stewardship
August 19, 2012 - Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Even though we are told that if we seek the Lord, we shall not want, in the second reading St. Paul reminds us that, thus blessed by the Lord, the good steward should “give thanks to God the Father always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” See Ephesians 5:20
August 26, 2012 - Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s first reading, Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve. Recalling God’s faithfulness to them and to their ancestors, the people declare, “We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.” May we, too, be mindful of God’s gifts to us and renew our commitment to serve Him with grateful hearts. See Joshua 24:18
September 2, 2012 -Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit, comes from above,” says St. James in the second reading. But, he reminds us, true worship of God involves using those good gifts to benefit the less fortunate. Good stewardship is not optional; it is the hallmark of our faith! See James 1:17
September 9, 2012 - Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time The good steward must not show favoritism. The rich may have many material gifts to share, but St. James reminds us in the second reading that God has chosen the world’s poor to be rich in faith and inheritors of God’s kingdom.
September 14, 2012 - Exaltation of the Cross
Even though the Lord led them out of Egypt and provided for their every need, the people in today’s first reading were complaining and ungrateful. Does my stewardship of God’s gifts show that I know from Whom they came and am grateful?
September 16, 2012 - Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the second reading today, St. James has harsh words for those who do not put their faith into action. May we be such good stewards of God’s gifts to us that we can never be accused of having “faith that does nothing in practice.” See James 2:17
September 23, 2012 - Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s second reading warns that a heart consumed with avarice and envy leads to jealousy, strife, conflicts, and disputes. A giving heart, in contrast, can sing instead with the psalmist, “Freely will I offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name, O Lord, for its goodness.” See Psalm 54
September 30, 2012 - Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. James warns in today’s second reading that those who hoard their wealth and live only for themselves will be condemned. But in the Gospel, Jesus assures us that all who give of themselves for His sake will be rewarded.
October 7, 2012 - Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
The phrase in today’s psalm, “May you see your children’s children,” is really a prayer for a long life. The good steward knows that every day is a gift from God, to be lived with joy and thanksgiving. “May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives!” See Psalm 128
October 14, 2012 - Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the rich young man to give away all that he has in order to have treasure in heaven. But he is unable to free himself from his possessions, and so he goes sadly away. Does what I own keep me from following Jesus?
October 21, 2012 - Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Good stewards must not argue about who is the most important. Today’s Gospel says clearly that those who aspire to greatness must humbly serve the needs of all. Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.
or (if celebrated as “Mission Sunday”)
All discipleship involves mission. The bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship reminds us, “Every member of the Church is called to evangelize, and the practice of authentic Christian stewardship inevitably leads to evangelization.”
October 28, 2012 - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s psalm says, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” Good stewards demonstrate by their living and giving that they understand God as the Source of all they are and have. See Psalm 126
November 1, 2012 - All Saints
Today’s psalm makes clear that we and everything we think we own actually belong to God instead: “The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it.” We are stewards, not owners, of our lives and all we possess! See Psalm 24
November 2, 2012 - All Souls
On the Feast of All Souls we pray for those who have gone before us and stand in judgment before God. May we share with one another the treasure of love’s memory, and console one another with the assurance of resurrection.
November 4, 2012 - Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
What percentage does God ask of me as a good steward? All of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind, and all of my strength!
November 11, 2012 - Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Both widows in today’s readings gave all they had to the work of the Lord, one using all her remaining food to feed Elijah and the other offering her two copper coins to the temple treasury. Faithful stewards give all that is asked and trust the Lord to be faithful to His promises.
November 18, 2012 - Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
The readings today speak of the end of the world and the coming of the kingdom. The bishops’ pastoral on stewardship says clearly that “that ‘life to come’ is in continuity with this present life through the human goods, the worthy human purposes, which people foster now.” May our good stewardship help us to be numbered among the chosen on the last day!
November 25, 2012 - Christ the King
Today’s second reading reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ frees us from sin and makes us a royal nation of priests in the service of God. How am I using my gifts to serve God and others?
December 2, 2012 - First Sunday of Advent
“Be on guard,” Jesus warns in today’s Gospel, “lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence.” Let us heed His warning and follow the advice of St. Paul, conducting ourselves in a way pleasing to God, overflowing with love for one another.
December 8, 2012 - Immaculate Conception
Mary’s Immaculate Conception prepared her for her unique role as the Mother of God. We, too, have been given all the gifts we need to do the work to which God calls us. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us that we may have the courage to say “yes!” when God calls.
December 9, 2012 - Second Sunday of Advent
Good stewards believe that God, who has begun this good work in them, will carry it through to completion. In words and deeds, they can sing with the psalmist, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy!” See Psalm 126
December 16, 2012 - Third Sunday of Advent
Today’s Gospel provides a blueprint for good stewardship: “Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same.” See Luke 3:11
December 23, 2012 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Gospel today tells of the Virgin Mary, pregnant herself, hurrying off to help her cousin Elizabeth. The model of good stewardship, she who had given herself to bear the Savior gave her time and love to others as well.
December 25, 2012 - Christmas
Rejoice! The Word became flesh and dwells among us! Oh, come, let us adore him!
December 30, 2012 - Holy Family
The first reading today provides a challenging blueprint for the good stewardship of our family relationships. How do I measure up?
January 2, 2013 - New Year’s Day
The Gospel today says that, having found the infant Jesus, the shepherds returned to their work, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. We, too, have seen and celebrated the mystery of the Word made flesh. Will we follow their example when we return to work tomorrow?