Stewardship
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From a heart full of gratitude, we give generously.
Recognizing that each day is a gift from God and an expression of His boundless love for us, stewardship asks us to make choices each day to give back to Him. We are asked to give of our time in prayer and worshipping as a community at Mass.
Mass Times Daily Prayer
We are asked to give of our talents to fulfill our mission in life and serve others.
Ministries Service and Outreach
We are asked to give of our treasure to build up the Parish, the body of Christ.
OffertoryOther Opportunities
Historically, our religion has talked about stewardship out of a sense of duty and responsibility. God commands us to give generously because we owe God a debt beyond anything we can pay, so we ought to give back what we can out of a sense of justice. While an important truth to remember, we also believe in another kind of stewardship.
We believe in a stewardship that the church has taught about since the beginning. The stewardship born out of radical, exuberant, unrestrained, love.One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give,
If this is how we are to give, freely without restraint, what is it that compels someone to give in such a way? When a lover first sees his beloved, he does not send gifts, write love notes, or prepare delightful dinners out of a sense of obligation or justice. Lovers lavish their beloved with affections because of the great love in their heart. This invisible reality pours itself out in word, and deed, and action, to reshape the world around them in a reflection of their shared love.
and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters
will himself be watered. (Pr 11:24-25)
Jesus, the greatest Lover, has spoken creation into being out of His great love for us. He has poured everything that He is into our lives, granting us the opportunity to partake in His very divinity. He has not done this to make us ‘indebted to Him’. Just as a husband does not buy his wife flowers so she might ‘owe him’ (hopefully), Jesus pours his love into our lives for no other reason than that He has fallen in love with us. Indeed, even before we were born Jesus’ desire to be with us brought us into being!
If you have ever been blessed with an experience of this radical love, thank Jesus this stewardship Sunday by thinking deeply about how you can express your love for Him.
If you have not discovered the One who loves you more than anyone can ever comprehend, take some time this stewardship Sunday to ask Him how you might get to know Him and discover a share in the radical love that drives us to give of ourselves in ways the world will never understand.
Prayer to Live Generous Lives
We thank you,
most loving and generous Creator,
for the abundance you have bestowed on us,
your servant people.
May we use your gifts to build your kingdom;
to help the poor, as you commanded, and
to bring light to a world in darkness.
May we be faithful to your commandments.
Bless the people in our lives that
we may help each other grow in your love.
We pray in union with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Amen. -