A Way of Life
Stewardship is a way of life that acknowledges our dependence on God for all we are and all we have. Understanding what it means to live as a steward means recognizing that everything we have, and everything we love, is a gift from God. The good that we accomplish while using the treasures we’ve been given, is how we ‘make good’ in offering it all back to God, who even then bestows more blessings on us.
God’s Call to Stewardship
Each of us has been given unique gifts and charisms from God. Sometimes we recognize this and might be involved in various measures of stewardship, in sharing our time, talent and gifts with others. Sometimes we need to look inward and examine our lives, to take time to recognize our blessings and gifts; to reflect and discern how God wants us to use the gifts He has given us.
Time, The Gift of our Action
One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the gift of time – 24 hours of it each day. For that reason, a gift of time is a good place to start living as a Christian steward.
We should balance the hours we spend at work, with our families, in prayer, in recreation and in service to God. Each of these commitments is important and we must ask ourselves: Do we work too much? Do we spend meaningful time in prayer each day? Do we spend an appropriate portion of our time utilizing our talents for the good of others in our home, parish and community?
Participating in service is another way we can give of our time. We can volunteer in parish activities, work with the elderly, visit the sick, be a lector, or assist in some other areas that we enjoy doing, and that would help others. Living in community as the Body of Christ, we live the life of a steward when we hand back a portion of each day to the One who made all our days.
“Christ has no body now on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which He is to go about doing good. Yours are the hearts with which He is to bless people now.”
– St. Teresa of Avila
Talent, the Gift of our Ability
Regardless of our age, education or social status – each of us has been given strengths and gifts that we can use on behalf of the rest of humanity. For every ability or skill you possess, there is a need somewhere in your family, your parish, your community. Our abilities should be recognized, cherished – and shared. Christian stewardship makes God’s love visible by generously and sacrificially giving of one’s self as Jesus Christ exemplified.
The questions we must ask ourselves are: What are the gifts God has given me that I have never thought to thank him for? What are the areas in my community and parish that could use my help?
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of services but the same Lord.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:4
TREASURE, THE GIFT OF OUR ABUNDANCE
All that we possess are gifts from God that we are asked to care for and generously share for our family needs and for the good of others. God has blessed each of us with material possessions and these gifts are intended to be shared. He has entrusted to us Stewardship over His creation, life and the Earth that sustains life.
THE STEWARDS CHALLENGE
Stewardship begins with a deeper inner conversion that leads us to live more gratefully and give more generously of ourselves and everything that we own. “We do not ultimately own anything but are entrusted with time, talent and treasure for use during our passage through this life which arises out of generous love. If each of us is aware that all is gift, then we are freed from possessiveness”
+ STEWARDSHIP PRAYER +
Almighty God I give thanks for all the gifts you have given me; my life, my family, all that I am. Most of all thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus, who is the perfect steward of your gifts. He shows me that loving and trusting in you, I need not worry. You created me and you will sustain me
Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit upon me, bringing knowledge and understanding. Teach me to be a good steward of your gifts. Help me to serve joyfully, follow faithfully, live responsibly and possess sensibly.
I give thanks for the abundant gifts you have so graciously lavished upon me. In gratitude for the spiritual and material blessings you have given me, I give to you, the first fruits of these gifts, through acts of service, and by generously sharing all that you have entrusted to me.
Heavenly Father, help me to be a gift to others in your name. Amen.
If you wish to get involved and or obtain further information, please contact St. Luke’s Parish Office, 604-465-5383 or email stlukes@telus.net