ARCHDIOCESE OF LOUISVILLE
STEWARDSHIP WEEKLY BULLETIN REFLECTIONS
LITURGICAL YEAR - 2006 / 2007 -- CYCLE C
(NEW AMERICAN BIBLE TRANSLATION)

First Sunday of Advent (December 3, 2006)

"May the Lord increase you and make you overflow with love for one another and for all, even as our love does for you." I Thessalonians 3:12

Love is contagious. So is stewardship. Both involve an overflowing of generosity. The U.S. Bishops tell us: "As Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord."

Second Sunday of Advent (December 10, 2006)

"It is my wish that you may be found rich in the harvest of justice which Jesus Christ has ripened in you, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11

The harvest of justice is the tangible benefit we perceive when people take seriously the role of steward. Their vision becomes outer-directed toward those in need.

Third Sunday of Advent (December 17, 2006)

"The crowds asked John, 'What ought we to do?' In reply he said, 'Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise."' Luke 3:10-11

The answer to the question, "what ought we to do?" is simple - SHARE. Sharing is the bottom line for all good stewards.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 24, 2006)

"Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings you neither desired nor delighted in....... In other words, God takes away the first covenant to establish the second." Hebrews 10:8-9

The first covenant emphasized sacrificial giving, duty, and obligation. The second covenant which involves us as stewards emphasizes thanksgiving, gratitude, and cheerfulness.

Holy Family (December 31, 2006)

"Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you." Colossians 3:15-16

It's not just what we do that is important, but how we do it. A steward’s way of life is dedicated to thankfulness. Gratitude, not money, is the bottom line.

Epiphany (January 7, 2007)

"They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2:11

The wise men spent their lives seeking God and when they finally found Him they opened their coffers in generosity. Stewardship is much easier when we seek God first in our lives.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 14, 2007)

"There are different gifts but the same Spirit; there are different ministries but the same Lord; there are different works but the same God who accomplishes all of them in everyone."
I Corinthians 12:4-6

A thankful steward knows that all our possessions are a result of God's grace. What we make of our lives depends on our hard work, but what talents we possess are all gifts from God.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 21, 2007)

"As it is, God has set each member of the body in the place he wanted it to be....... Even those members of the body which seem less important are in fact indispensable." 1 Corinthians 12:18, 22.

We are all part of God's family and have something to contribute, from the weakest and most vulnerable members to the strongest. Often, the weaker members of any family bring the family together in order to meet their needs. They provide us with the opportunity to be good stewards.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 28, 2007)

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you." Jeremiah 1:5

We are all called to make a difference in the world by sharing our time, talent, and treasure. However, each one of us does this in a unique way. Our vocations are uniquely ours.
St. Augustine said: "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us."

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 4, 2007)

"Jesus said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching people.' With that they brought their boats to land, left everything, and became his followers." Luke 5:10-11

A life of stewardship has two components. First, we are called to leave everything behind us in order to follow Christ. Everything else is secondary. Two, we are called to be fishers of other people. We are called to discern talents in other people, to draw them out of themselves and to challenge them to use those talents in a life of stewardship.

Thank you to all of the parishioners who have returned their stewardship intention cards. If you have not returned your intention card, it is never too late. Your participation helps us practice good stewardship and plan for the coming year.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 11, 2007)

"Blessed is the person who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord." Jeremiah 17:7

Hope is a solid foundation for a life of stewardship. Through hope we trust that God will provide for our needs. Through hope we trust that our generosity to others will make a significant difference in this world.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 18, 2007)

"Give and it shall be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will they pour into the fold of your garment. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38

There is a saying in the business world: "The market rewards risk." There is a similar saying in Scripture: "Give and it will be given to you. "God also rewards us when we risk giving of ourselves. The reward may not be what we want, but will always be what we need.

First Sunday in Lent (February 25, 2007)

"Therefore, I have now brought you the first fruits of the products of the soil which you, 0 Lord, have given me. And having set them before the Lord, your God, you shall bow down in God's presence. Then you and your family, together with the Levite and the aliens who live among you, shall make merry over all these good things which the Lord, your God, has given you." Deuteronomy 26:10-11

The origins of the theology of stewardship are found in this passage from the Old Testament. Stewards return the first fruits of their labors to God, not the leftovers. This practice is a reminder to put the work of God first in our lives.

Second Sunday in Lent (March 4, 2007)

"Be imitators of me, my brothers and sisters. Take as your guide those who follow the example that we set." Philippians 3:17

It is often said that it takes a lifetime to raise a steward. Our children best learn the value of stewardship when we walk with them and show them that living a life of a steward is a joyful possibility.

Third Sunday in Lent (March 11, 2007)

"A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he came out looking for fruit on it but did not find any. He said to the vinedresser, 'Cut it down.' But the vinedresser said, 'Leave it another year while I hoe around it and manure it; then perhaps it will bear fruit. If not, it shall be cut down."' Luke 13:6-9

As the vinedresser cultivated the fig tree, we are all called to cultivate the talents of each other. The sobering truth is talents not used are lost to us and others.

Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 18, 2007)

"He said in reply to his father: 'For years now I have slaved for you..... yet you never gave me so much as a kid goat to celebrate with my friends. Then, when this son of yours returns after having gone through your property with loose women, you kill the fatted calf for him."'
Luke 15:29-30

The father practiced God’s version of generosity - unearned and unconditional. A steward sees a need and responds without asking questions about whether it is deserved or not.

Fifth Sunday in Lent (March 25, 2007)

"I have come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. For his sake I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all else rubbish so that Christ may be my wealth." Philippians 3:7-8

St. Paul's knowledge of Christ redefined for him the true meaning of wealth. A steward understands Christ’s presence as the highest gift.

Passion (Palm) Sunday (April 1, 2007)

"Your attitude must be Christ’s: though he was in the form of God he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a servant, being born in human likeness." Philippians 2:6-7

Stewardship is an attitude. It is an attitude that does not strive for success, but strives for service. Everyday a steward asks himself or herself: “Who does God want me to serve today?”

Easter Sunday (April 8, 2007)

"Do you not know that a little yeast has its effect all through the dough? Get rid of the old yeast to make of yourselves fresh dough. . . ." I Corinthians 5:6

We can never calculate the effect our talents and service may have on others. The work of redemption is sown in secret, but harvested for the benefit of all. We should always trust that our efforts in Christ’s name make a difference.

Second Sunday of Easter (April 15, 2007)

"Jesus then said to him: 'You became a believer because you saw me. Blest are they who have not seen and have believed." John 20:29

Seeing is believing. A steward models generosity for those who need to see how it is done.

Third Sunday of Easter (April 22, 2007)

"Do you love me....? Follow me." John 21:16, 19

Jesus instructed Peter to lead the Church, and Jesus told Peter about the high price he would have to pay. Then Jesus invited Peter to follow him. As good stewards, we know that Jesus will be with us through all the joys and sorrows associated with following the disciple's way.

Fourth Sunday of Easter (April 29, 2007)

“My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me.” John 10, 27

To follow the shepherd we must first hear his voice through prayer. It is only after we pray that we know the proper way to live as stewards.

Fifth Sunday of Easter (May 6, 2007)

"This is how all will know you for my disciples: your love for one another." John 13:35

A Christian steward is a person who shares God's gifts in justice and love with others.

Sixth Sunday of Easter (May 13, 2007)

"It is the decision of the Holy Spirit, and ours too, not to lay on you any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary.......Acts 15:27

Christian stewardship is not a call to burdensome giving, but to joyful giving.

Seventh Sunday of Easter (May 20, 2007)

"Jesus looked to heaven and said: 'I do not pray for my disciples alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word, that all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; I pray that they may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me." John 17:20-21

Jesus prayed for our unity. While decisions about how we live as a steward are up to each individual, stewardship is the coming together of all of Jesus' disciples to build the Church.

Pentecost Sunday (May 27, 2007)

"There are different gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different ministries but the same Lord; there are different works but the same God who accomplishes all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." I Corinthians 12:4-7

Paul reminds us we are uniquely made and called to share this uniqueness for the good of all.

The Holy Trinity (June 3, 2007)

"The love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:5

We are children of a generous God; we are stewards of all God's gifts. Let us be grateful for the gifts God has given to us.

The Body and Blood of Christ (June 10, 2007)

"Then, taking the five loaves and the two fishes, Jesus raised his eyes to heaven, pronounced a blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to his disciples for distribution to the crowd. They all ate until they had enough." Luke 9:15-16

Our individual gifts raised to God and blessed by God will be multiplied in ways we cannot foresee.

Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time June 17, 2007

“I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I will not treat God’s gracious life as pointless.” Gal. 2, 20

St. Paul saw his life as of gift from God to be lived in faith. It is in living as God’s stewards of our own lives that we show appreciation for this wonderful gift.

Nativity of John the Baptist (June 24, 2007)

“The Lord called me from birth; from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.” Isaiah 49, 1

The Lord has called each of us by name at our baptism. It is a call like John’s to go forth and make ready the way of the Lord for others by our example.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 1, 2007)

"Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God." Luke 9:62

We are called to share our first fruits, not our leftovers. Stewardship entails total commitment, not a nervous looking over our shoulders to see if we can afford this commitment.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 8, 2007)

"The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore ask the harvest-master to send workers to the harvest." Luke 10:2

Stewardship is an invitation from God to join in the work of the Church.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 15, 2007)

"But because he wished to justify himself he said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?"' Luke 10:29

Jesus answered this question by telling the story of the Good Samaritan. His answer was: “the one who showed compassion.” The definition of compassion is one who feels with another. A steward makes every effort to feel what one in need is feeling.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 22, 2007)

"Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to him and said . . . 'Tell her to help me.' The Lord said in reply to her: 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it."' Luke 10:40-42

Few stories in Scripture better portray the fact that stewardship is an attitude, not an activity. Martha was busy, but Mary had the right attitude.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 29, 2007)

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place." Luke 11:1

Before every major action in His life the Scriptures tell us Jesus prayed. A steward is called to give service to others. It is by following Jesus’ example of praying that we ensure we are doing God’s work and not our own.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 5, 2007)

"Avoid greed in all its forms. A man may be wealthy, but his possessions do not guarantee him life." Luke 12:15

In the realm of faith, material possessions are a false security.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 12, 2007)

"Jesus said to his disciples: 'Sell what you have and give alms... Wherever your treasure lies, there will you heart be.’" Luke 12:32-34

A good way to examine "where our heart is," is to spend time reviewing our appointment calendar and our checkbook. Where am I spending my time? How am I spending my money?

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 19, 2007)

"Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who inspires and perfects our faith." Hebrews 12:2

The key to balancing the everyday demands made on us with the limited amounts of time, talent, and treasure we possess is PRIORITY. When we accept Jesus' priority, we do not squander our gifts.

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 26, 2007)

"Some who are last will be first and some who are first will be last." Luke 13:30

There is no guarantee that we'll get credit for our hard work. A steward’s job is to sow the seeds, not worry about who harvests the crop.

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 2, 2007)

"Whenever you give a lunch or dinner, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or wealthy neighbors....... No, when you have a reception, invite beggars and the crippled, the lame and the blind. You should be pleased that they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid in the resurrection of the just." Luke 14:1314

Our gifts were not given to be bargaining chips in which we expect repayment (e.g. tax breaks, return invitations, or recognition). Preoccupation with repayment is not stewardship, but a search for reward.

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 9, 2007)

"None of you can be my disciple if you do not renounce all your possessions." Luke 14:33

My possessions are actually God's. The renunciation is realizing we are only managers of what we have and not owners.

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 16, 2007)

"They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them, making for themselves a molten calf and worshiping it.” Exodus 32:8

The days of worshiping idols are not as far away as we might think. Today’s idols are cars, houses, clothes, power, position and wealth.

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 23, 2007)

"The owner then gave his devious employee credit for being enterprising! Why? Because the worldly take more initiative than the other-worldly when it comes to dealing with their own kind." Luke 16:8

The parable of the unjust steward is not about thievery, but about initiative. If Jesus' disciples would be only half as clever at promoting the Kingdom as the unjust stewards was at promoting his own selfish interest, the Kingdom would flourish.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 30, 2007)

"Abraham said to [the rich man], 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if one should rise from the dead."' Luke 16:31

The dead rich man was afraid that his five brothers would not learn the lesson he had learned. But Abraham replies that not even miracles will soften the heart of someone blinded by selfishness.

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 7, 2007)

"When you have done all you have been commanded to do, say, 'We are useless servants. We have done no more than our duty."' Luke 17:10

The message is clear. A steward is concerned about making a difference; not about having other people know that he/she is making a difference.

Twenty-Eight Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 14, 2007)

"Jesus said to the man, 'Stand up and go your way; your faith has been your salvation."' Luke 17:19

Just like the Samaritan leper, a Christian steward receives God's gifts gratefully. We must not get so busy that we forget to thank God for all the blessings in our life.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 21, 2007)

"But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8

Yes, in the actions of good stewards.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 28, 2007)

"Those who serve God willingly are heard; their petition reaches to the heavens." Sirach 35:16

This passage from the Old Testament assures us that those who devote their lives to the service of God and others will be taken care of.

All Saints (November 1, 1998)

"See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God! Yet that in fact is what we are." I John 3:1

The heart of stewardship is the firm conviction that we will be provided for by God as a Father provides for a child. It is easy to forget that we are this close to God, so St. John emphasizes: "Yet that in fact is what we are."

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 4, 2007)

“Zacchaeus hurry down. I mean to stay at your house today.” Luke 19, 4

Jesus saw goodness in Zacchaeus’ heart and called him to be in his presence. Jesus has called all of us into his presence and awaits our thankful responses.

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 11, 2007)

"God is not the God of the dead but of the living." Luke 20:38

A wise grandmother once told her grandchildren before she died: "Don't worry about flowers for me once I'm gone. Give your flowers to the living." Her exhortation is a perfect definition of stewardship - giving your flowers to the living.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 18, 2007)

"Some were speaking of how the temple was adorned with precious stones and votive offerings. Jesus said, 'These things you are contemplating -- the day will come when not one stone will be left on another."' Luke 21:5

Our material world, as wonderful and beautiful as it is, will one day cease to be. It is a sobering thought, but one that helps us detach from our reliance on things and places our reliance on God.

Christ the King (November 25, 2007)

"He then said, 'Jesus, remember me when you enter upon your reign."' Luke 23:42

Jesus will never forget us. As this liturgical year comes to an end, let us all continue as Christian stewards to follow Christ as we travel together along the disciple's way.