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CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

The story of the Magi — the Three Kings — is one of the most endearing and most familiar to all Catholics. Because they brought gifts, it is also the focus of many stewardship commentaries. In addition, it may be one of the more misunderstood stories around the birth of Jesus.

Epiphany is a word with Greek origins that means “manifestation.” We celebrate Epiphany because it represents the realization (related to the appearance and visit of the Magi to the Christ child) that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.

The visit of the Magi to the child Jesus is reported only in Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew never states that there were three — that is an assumption which has been made based upon the three gifts. Traditional representations of their visit place them in the stable where Jesus was born. Matthew, on the other hand, makes reference to the Magi visiting the Holy Family in their house — which would imply they may have come to Nazareth, not to Bethlehem.

In fact, it does not matter how we interpret the specifics of the visit of these men “from the East.” The stewardship aspects of this story present us a real view of what is expected of us as stewards. The visitors from the East made valuable gifts to the Holy Family — gifts with a value which may have represented a sacrifice on their part. Furthermore, the gifts were given at a time when the Holy Family had a need — they were preparing to flee to Egypt. The generosity of the Magi may have been the instrument which allowed them to do that. Being from a distant land, these “wise men” acknowledge that Christ is the Savior of all lands and all peoples. Near the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that nations will be judged not just on how they treat Him, but on how they treat His brothers and sisters in need — a definite call to stewardship.

Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

As we might expect on this Feast of the Holy Family, the readings focus on family matters. In fact, they offer a blueprint for family stewardship. The concept of stewardship within a family is closely related to how family members treat one another — how they show respect and love for one another.

The first reading from the Book of Sirach makes it quite clear that children are called to honor, revere, care for, and be kind to their father and mother. Of course, this is a manifestation of the commandment with which we are so familiar — Honor thy Father and Mother. Stewardship is synonymous with love. Thus, although the children are called to love in this way, it is also strongly implied that the father and mother are also called to love and revere one another and their children.

“And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.” We do not know much about the life of Jesus between his birth and the beginning of His ministry. We are presented with one vignette of His youth, however, in the Gospel reading from Luke. Under Jewish tradition a boy became a Bar Mitzvah (which means Son of the Commandment) at the age of 13. Prior to that step into maturity and adulthood a boy was expected to study, listen, and question at the Temple one or two years earlier. That is what Mary and Joseph and Jesus were pursuing in this Gospel passage — they were following the customs of the day. About this time in His life we might say, “The child became a man.”

The Holy Family is an ideal we as people cannot replicate. Nevertheless, it is clear that family life, like the virtues of love and kindness and humility and forgiveness, requires constant effort. Nothing in life is necessarily easy. Being a unified and loving family has rewards beyond our comprehension.

Copyright © 2012 www.TheCatholicSteward.com