Today’s Gospel reading
brings us to the very essence of a stewardship way of life, as Jesus responds
to a question posed to Him by one of the scribes: “Which is the first of all
the commandments?” His answer is a beautiful and concise description of a Christian
steward’s life: “The first [commandment] is this…. You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all
your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as
yourself.”
Let’s consider these “greatest commandments” as they relate to three aspects of
a Christian steward’s daily life — the use of our time, of our talents and
of our material treasure.
The use of time in the context of stewardship refers primarily to our
relationship with the Lord — in other words, our prayer life. Since time is a
gift to me from God, I show my love for Him and my gratitude for this gift by
giving Him the best portion of my time. My best time for prayer may be first
thing in the morning before the noise and hectic pace of the day begin. It may
be a few quiet moments at my desk during my lunch break. Or it could be in the
evening with my spouse after the children have gone to bed. Of course, it is
vital to talk to God throughout the day, but if I really want to love Him with
all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, shouldn’t I make time for God “first”
on my agenda each day? Not as an afterthought, but as a time I have
intentionally chosen to spend only with Him.
The use of talents in the context of stewardship refers to the way I offer the
abilities, skills, and interests the Lord has given me for the good of those
around me. While our loving Father gives us these things for our own enjoyment,
He also intends for us to use them to help others. Doing so is a practical way
to “love my neighbor as myself.” At the same time, it is also a way to love the
Lord with all that I am and have since He has told us that whatever we do for
others we are also doing for Him.
The use of material gifts in the context of stewardship likewise demonstrates
both love of God and of neighbor. When I trustingly offer a sacrificial gift to
God through the offertory collection, I am showing Him in a very tangible way
that He comes before all else in my life. At the same time, my gift is also a
gift to my neighbor and a way to show my love for others through needed
material assistance for charitable works, religious formation of parish
children and adults, and the many other ways that our parish family works
together to worship and serve the Lord and our community.
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