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Stewards Give Thanks

10/6/2016

Oct. 9 - 28th Sunday

“Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Luke 17:18

Most of us live “easy” lives. We have food, shelter and clothing. We go on vacation every year and own a car or two. Most of us take this all for granted. Did you ever notice that people with the least amount of possessions are usually the most grateful? Stewardship can turn this around. Take time every day and thank God for all He has given you.

Stewardship Requires Self-Control

10/6/2016

October 2nd: 27th Sunday

“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Many of us compartmentalize our Faith, we bring it out only when we attend Mass or when we attend a parish event. Stewardship requires discipline and striving to put God first in everything, all the time. The next time you are at a neighborhood party, at work or out shopping, would your actions signal to others that you are a good and faithful servant of our Lord?

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

9/26/2016

Week of Sept. 25: Stewards Bridge Chasm

When God created the world He declared that it was good and He gave it to all mankind for us to enjoy. However, over the years we have created a chasm between those who have great gifts and those who do not. In today’s Gospel we see that with our own Stewardship we must bridge that gap between those who have much and those who have little or we may find ourselves on the wrong side of the chasm in the next life.

“My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established…” Luke 16:25-26A

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

9/18/2016

Week of Sept. 18: Stewards Serve God

“No servant can serve two masters. He will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (wealth).” Luke 16:13

Is money a “god” that you put before God? Giving money to support the Church and other charity develops Stewardship and is a pillar of our Faith, just like attending Mass every Sunday and participating in parish ministry. Giving money frees us from being a slave to money and increases our dependence on God and to trust that He will provide all that we need.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

9/11/2016

Week of Sept. 11: Stewards Seek Lasting Values

“Everything I have is yours.” Luke 15:31b

Our Heavenly Father gives His Stewards everything, including the chance to share in His eternal kingdom. Yet, like the Prodigal Son we are often lured away by the materialism of our society. Do we really want to turn our backs on all that God offers in exchange for a material wealth that has no lasting value?

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Stewards Do Not Possess

9/4/2016

Week of September 4

“Every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

When we first hear this statement, it seems that Jesus is making an unrealistic demand upon us. How can we renounce all of our possessions? We need them to live. However, what we must renounce is the belief that they belong to us. Everything that we have belongs to God alone. All of our resources are entrusted to us not only for our own use, but also so that we can help others. Once we renounce the idea that we possess or are entitled to anything, it is much easier to share the many gifts that God has given us. Then we truly understand Stewardship and become His Disciples

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Stewards Rewarded in Heaven

8/26/2016

Week of August 28

“Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you." Luke 14:13 -14a

We have a difficult time with the concept of giving without expecting something in return. Even when we give to charity we often want something in return – a raffle ticket, a dinner, or a chance to play golf. Yet, as Christian Stewards we need to remember that the true reward for our giving awaits us in heaven.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Stewards Seek God's Standard

8/19/2016

Week of August 21

“For behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.” Luke 13:30

Our standards in our society are so different from God’s standards. We often rate or rank people by what they have, how powerful they are, or how successful they are. Jesus reminds His Stewards that God will not judge us by the same earthly standards.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Stewards Take a Stance

8/12/2016

Week of August 14

“Do you think I have come to give you peace on Earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Luke 12:51

Living a Stewardship lifestyle means stepping out of our comfort zone when needed. Many of us like to play it safe, not cause waves, stay in the middle of the road. In today’s world we are called to be informed and take a stance for life, marriage and religious liberty.

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Stewards Seek Heavenly Treasure

8/6/2016

Week of August 7

“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Luke 12:34

Jesus encourages His Stewards to build up our treasure in heaven. The world encourages us to build up our treasure in real estate, investments, and material goods. How much time are you investing in building up a worldly treasure? How much time are you investing in building up a heavenly treasure? To invest more time in the things of heaven, you must let go of some of the things of this world.