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CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

It would seem appropriate during Lent that Holy Scripture would issue some warnings to us. In effect that is what occurs throughout the readings for this Third Sunday of Lent. Each reading contains a caution to us, or a strong suggestion.
St. Paul does not mince words in his letter to the Corinthians. In Paul’s last statement in this scriptural passage, he issues a warning that is so applicable to us for Lent — “Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.”
The parable in Luke’s Gospel addresses exactly the same issue that Paul wrote about. In terms of historical context, this Gospel is near the end of His ministry, as His Crucifixion is fast approaching. The Lord is particularly disturbed by the way those who listen to Him are ignorant of the significance of His presence, the magnitude of this historical time.
Simply put, many scholars agree that we are that fig tree. Jesus’ warning to us is particularly crucial during our Lenten appreciations — it is not the appearance of holiness  — through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — which is important. It is the fruits of our penitence that are important.
Living as a Christian steward is a response to Jesus’ call to discipleship and holiness. The steward nonetheless must be on constant watch — constant preparation. Stewardship, like our foundations for Easter throughout Lent, is an ongoing journey — a daily exercise and challenge. We, too, must take care “not to fall.”

Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

Today’s readings pose a challenge to us — they ask us to look beyond this life and this world. Of course, Jesus did that often in His ministry. In relation to His own life and His time on earth, He was fond of saying something similar to what He said in John 16:36, “My Kingdom is not of this world.”

As is often the case in Scripture, all of the ideas about Heaven and life in Heaven are coalesced in the Gospel from Luke, the recounting of the Transfiguration. The
Transfiguration has been called “the culminating point in Christ’s ministry on earth” — with His Baptism as the beginning point and His Ascension as the end point. During the Transfiguration His body and His face became dazzling — so bright that it might almost blind someone looking upon Him. It was His Divinity showing through.

Peter, who can be very much like us, wanted to stay there on the mountain top, build some tents, and create a permanent experience. But permanence is only in Heaven. Heaven is eternity. Stewardship calls us to recognize that — to strive to be as holy as we can be, and to serve as unconditionally as we possibly can. Nevertheless, what should be our driving force — our true comprehension — is that for us, just as for Jesus, our Kingdom is really not of this world. People who embrace stewardship as a way of life live with an awareness of the present and the future, of both time and eternity.

Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com