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Money Matters
by the Reverend Peter D. Thompson, Priest-in-Charge
This week, Jesus returns again to the subject of taxes. A few weeks ago, he indicated in passing that those who collect taxes are worthy of entering God's kingdom. On Sunday, he will address our own obligation to pay taxes: "give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's."
When I was first discerning a call to ordination, I wanted to become one of those priests who never talked about money. I pursued ordained ministry, in part, because I yearned to focus on "spiritual" things, to turn away from the cut-throat corporate world that called to many of my friends.
Over time, however, I've come to see the benefits—even the necessity—of talking about money. From a practical standpoint, whether we like it or not, a church requires money in order to run. There are bills that simply have to be paid.
Yet money is also an indicator of what we value. I’ve seen relationships to the Church deepen as financial commitments have grown, as members have developed "skin in the game." My own spiritual life has expanded as I have become more generous in my giving. I speak about money because I have a responsibility to ensure the financial sustainability of our parish. But I also speak about money because I genuinely believe that our approach to finances is an important element of our spiritual health.
On Sunday, Jesus' discourse on taxes will help us launch our 2027 pledge campaign. The responsibilities we have as members of a broader civic society are not unrelated to the responsibilities we have as members of the Church. In both cases, financial support is one way in which we signify true participation in a community.
I invite you to see the weeks ahead not as a chore but as an opportunity—to do your part, to demonstrate what you value, to put your money where it really matters, to truly participate in this church we all love.
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