Author: MtCarmel

 

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

It’s no secret that married life isn’t easy. Most of us are living proof of that. It takes a great deal of commitment and constant self-giving love to truly live out the vocation.

But it is not just married life that requires such loving commitment and self sacrifice. The vocation of Christian discipleship, the vocation to which every one of us is called — married or single, clergy or layperson — requires that we give of ourselves in loving service, committing our lives to Christ forever. We give of our time, our talents, and our treasure as a way to show The Lord that we love Him and that we want to give our lives to Him. He has given us so much; it is an honor for us to give ourselves to Him in return.

It is not an easy task, especially when society is encouraging us to live selfishly, to want more and more things, to look out for ourselves before others, etc. Indeed, it is a higher calling to live for the Lord, to give rather than to want, and to lovingly put others first, and it is a life full of joyful rewards. In this, we will find true fulfillment!

 

Copyright © 2012 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

 

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

Today’s readings lead us to reflect on the gifts we have been given, and the source of those gifts — God.

In the first reading and in the gospel, we hear of men who raise objections when they see others participating in God’s mission. Moses’ followers were appalled when they noticed that two men who were not among their company had been given the gift of prophecy. Surely prophesying was not their place. And, in the gospel reading, Jesus’ disciples objected to men who were casting out demons in Christ’s name.

In both cases, the objectors were assured that the men had been given gifts from God, and their decision to use those gifts to serve God’s kingdom was indeed a good thing.

The readings serve to remind us that every one of us has been given great gifts, and we are called to recognize those gifts, to receive them gratefully, and to use them in service of God and neighbor. When we do this, we participate in Christ’s own mission of loving service. He came to give Himself for us, and He has given us many gifts so that we can join Him in His earthly mission, using our gifts to proclaim His truth and serve one another.

What gifts has God given you? How are you using them? Do you find yourself caught up noticing the gifts others have been given and wondering about their proper use of them? Or, do you rejoice in the gifts God has given you and others and do your best to participate in the mission of the Church, serving God by giving yourself and your gifts back to Him in gratitude for all He has given you?

Copyright © 2012 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

 

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

Christian stewardship is all about selflessness. We are called to follow Christ’s example and give ourselves out of love for others and expect nothing in return.

In today’s gospel, we see Jesus explaining to the disciples that He must suffer and die. But they are confused. To them, the Messiah is one whom they praise and glorify, not one who suffers. So Jesus explains further.

His earthly mission is to give of Himself for our sake out of love. And He tells the disciples their mission as His followers is to do the same — to give of themselves expecting nothing in return.

So, we too, as present day disciples, follow the Lord’s example. We have all been called to be His disciples. Do we live the stewardship way of life, giving our time, our talent, and our treasure, in loving care of one another? Do we give of ourselves not because we want recognition, or because of the promise of earthly rewards, but because we are grateful to the Lord for giving Himself for us, and because we love both God and neighbor?

Copyright © 2012 www.TheCatholicSteward.com