What does the word “stewardship” mean? Unfortunately, the word is often associated with money, but it is so much more.
In the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) pastoral letter on stewardship, they say it is “a way of life”.
According to the pastoral letter, they acknowledge a Christian steward is: “One who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.”
Wow, that is a lot of responsibility! When you think of how you live your life as a Christian steward, you probably don’t think of all of this, but I know many gifts people possess that fit this description.
Think about a mother or father. Do they possess the gifts of parenthood gratefully? Do they cherish and tend to their children? Do they love them and share their love with others? Do they raise them to be good Christian stewards, which is returning them with increase to the Lord? Yes, they do!
I think of my parish priest. He is a perfect example of sharing his gifts. He has committed his life to sharing the gospel, evangelizing others, and catechizing his flock, which will return increase to the Lord!
The 12 Apostles, in Matthew 10:7-9, when Jesus commissioned them to go make the proclamation “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” were told “do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts”.
The gift to proclaim the Good News is an obvious form of Christian stewardship, something we should all strive to achieve.
Your doctor, dentist, mechanic, hair stylist, babysitter, all of these people have gifts they want to share with others.
There are too many to list, but I am sure you can think of others in your life who have impacted you in some capacity.
Now, let me ask you to think of your gifts. Do you cook, clean, mow the yard, and go to work each day? I am guessing the answer to this is “yes”.
By sacrificing your time and energy for your family, you are sharing your gifts with others — this is what being a good Christian steward is all about.
We all possess gifts that are unique to us. How do you share your gifts with others?
Consider sharing your gifts at your church. They are always looking for volunteers. What a beautiful way to return increase to the Lord!
For an opportunity to learn more about your charisms or gifts, attend a Called and Gifted Workshop. For more information, go to madisondiocese.org/called-and-gifted.
Jill McNally is the director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Madison.