A Word from the Pastor
September 16, 2022
There are two places in the gospels that we find Jesus using the word steward. Both are in the gospel of Luke. One of them is in this Sunday’s gospel reading. It is a story about a bad steward who did not live up to expectations. On the other hand, Jesus tells a parable in Luke 12 about a steward who is faithful and fulfills his master’s wishes.
A steward is one who manages the property or affairs of another. It’s an Old English word that means guardian or keeper of the house or hall, but it has its roots in ancient Greece where servants were entrusted by their masters to run the affairs of the household. This is in keeping with the Christian interpretation of stewardship, which teaches that we are called upon to take care of what belongs to our Master, who has created everything on our behalf. While we are entrusted with the Earth and all that is on it, we do not own it. We are only its caretaker and, in the end, will be held accountable for how well we treat the planet and its inhabitants.
We have all been blessed with gifts and talents. One of the characteristics of a good steward is that we will have to give an accounting for how we have used what we have been given. Jesus tells us that as stewards, accountability is important. How have I used what I have been given?
As we read in the first letter of Peter:
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Stewardship, using our gifts wisely, is one of the ways we give glory to God. Acknowledging the Giver of All Gifts and using those gifts for the intended purposes, is a fitting way to praise God. Neglecting to offer our gifts in service to our brothers and sisters is displeasing to God.
A good spiritual exercise that every one of us can do follows four simple steps: Begin by identifying a few of the gifts that God has given you. Next, reflect on the ways you have been able to use those gifts to help others. Then, ask the Lord to enable you to be of greater service in the use of the gifts you have received. Finally, give thanks to God for the joy that comes from being a steward who does what the Master asks.
In one Heart,
Fr. Ron
rbagley@stpatrickcarlsbad.com
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