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Saturday, 10 November 2007 |
Growing up in the south, I never really thought much about the availability of water. Water was simply a “given”. You turned on the faucet and it was there. I have many fond memories of childhood, of playing in the sprinklers with my brother and our buddies, then later on, of watching my young sisters as they enjoyed the magic of playin’ in the water, on those warm summer evenings. And during my teenage years, washing my car was a kind of ritual, as I got “the ride” ready for Friday night! For me and for most of us, water was a given…. until now.
Because I was blessed with a mom and a dad that were together for all of my “growing up years”, I never really thought much about what my world would be like without them. They gave me most everything I needed as a boy. Because my mom showered me with love and affection all of my life, I never thought about what it would be like to be without her, until now.
What else do I take for granted? Honestly, there is so much I assume will be available for me, as always: good health, true-blue friends, a vibrant, faithfilled Catholic parish, a country of principled liberty and justice for all. I have assumed so much, and all too often, I have forgotten to give thanks to the Giver of all gifts. How are we to remember all of our blessings?
When y’all hear me mention stewardship, some of you, in knee-jerk fashion, begin to feel around for your wallet! In the minds of all too many Roman Catholics, stewardship = they’re lookin’ for more of my money. NO! It’s not about opening up your wallets, but about opening up our minds and our hearts to the life of God at SJN… in the here and now.
Stewardship is a way of life for the disciple of Jesus. Knowing that we have been given every good gift, we are called by the Giver of those gifts to manage them well, to steward the gifts in gratitude and in faithfulness. To steward, to manage the gifts of God… what does this mean?
Everything that you have been given and everything that you have endeavored to work for… comes from above…from beyond your limited sense of control. This is the message of the Lord Jesus. Our response to this message? First, we are to give thanks (and not assume the gift as “natural”). Then, after giving thanks, we are called to give back...according to the plan of God…to give back generously, as we have received prodigally. Give back a portion of each day, in the time you share with another. Give back, in the way you share the talents you have with those in need of those specific talents. Give back from the first fruits of your labor, in the treasure you offer for the work of God.
Please follow me in giving the first 5% of your income to our parish, then the next 1% of your income to the 2008 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, then the next 4% to our renewed Capital Campaign, as we begin Building a Legacy of Faith…for us and for all that will follow us: paying for and constructing a new worship space, a hall for fellowship, and meeting rooms for sharing our faith, our hearts.
In faith-filled discipleship: 5 + 1 + 4, all for the greater glory of God (AMDG).
Msgr. David |
