~ You may be surprised to know that the subject Jesus talked about the most was money. The Gospels give us 38 parables that Jesus spoke to his followers and nearly half of them are about money and possessions.  Now we don’t know all the words of Jesus, of course, but of all the words that are recorded in the Gospels, Jesus had more to say about money than he did heaven or hell, or marriage or forgiveness, or any other subject. 

Which tells us something! First, that Jesus is very concerned about our relationship to our money and possessions, and that our relationship to our money and possessions has a lot to do with whether we land in heaven or hell, and so we ought to think about our money and possessions on a regular basis. In other words, we should take the stewardship of our gifts, or money, our possessions very serious as a Christian. Faithful to Jesus’ example, we need to take very serious what we give, when we give, and why we give. 

But also, when I realize that Jesus had more to say about money than any other subject, that makes me think that we ought to talk about money and possessions on a more regular basis. In days gone by, people would often say “All the Church talks about is money.” No one could accuse me of doing that, and actually maybe I need to do it a little more. Because if I want to follow the Lord’s example, if we want to follow the Lord’s example, we need to think about and talk about and consider our money and our possessions. If we don’t, then we’re taking too lightly what Jesus took very seriously. 

Today is Stewardship Sunday throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis, a time for all of us to consider the gifts that God has given to us and to consider how we can give back to God and to the Church. In this Gospel parable that we have heard today, the property owner says to his steward, “Prepare a full account of your stewardship.” That is what each of us will have to do at the end of our lives. When we appear in judgment before God, God will ask each of us how we used the gifts that we were given. But because we might want a little bit of practice before that happens, it’s probably a good idea to consider that while we’re still alive.

Stewardship is not just concerning money, though that is a part of it. It is often described as the sharing of our time, talent, and treasure. Or sometimes, as prayer, participation, and generosity. However we describe it, reflecting on Stewardship means reflecting on how we use and share those things that are most precious to us: our time, our gifts, and our money, all in the context of prayer and faith.

In today’s Gospel, we hear the Master say, “Prepare an Account of your Stewardship.”  This is essential for all of us throughout out life! Prepare an account of your stewardship! In my years reflecting on my own Stewardship, being a Pastor, and observing the lives of so many parishioners, I’ve found four things that I think are necessary for a person to say that he or she is a good steward, that he or she is a faithful parishioner, that he or she is a practicing Catholic. I’d like to offer them to you today and to challenge you to consider your own growth in the faith.  

First and foremost, a good Steward always avails himself or herself to the grace of Mass and the Sacraments. Celebrating Sunday Mass with your parish family is essential; it is a sine qua non, that which without nothing else matters. It is the most important thing that we do as individuals and as a community! Without the Mass, nothing else we do makes sense. So to be a good steward, you must join your parish family for Mass, each and every Sunday. These days, unfortunately, many folks have the attitude of “I’ll go to Mass if I can fit it in.” and they will go now and then, but not every Sunday. But God didn’t tell us to keep holy some Sabbath days. Every Sunday is holy and a day for Mass. So, if you come to Mass now and then, I’m happy you’re here, but I’d be happier if you were here every week. And not just Mass, but also take advantage of the grace that comes from all the Sacraments. Faithful Catholics should be faithful to regular confession, at least once a year, preferably more often. Parents should make sure their children are baptized soon after birth and receive the other Sacraments of Initiation in time.  Catholics should celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church.  And those who are seriously ill should request and receive the Anointing of the Sick. We must be a Sacramental people, first and foremost.

Second, do something for your spiritual and personal growth. Growth in the faith is a lifelong process, but sadly, too many folks rely on what they learned in grade school, which for many of us, was a very long time ago. If you’re a health care worker or an engineer or a priest or any number of professions, you’re required to take ongoing education and formation so that you can stay on top of your game. It’s the same with our faith! People who are committed to their faith and to good stewardship make an effort to grow in faith. Be faithful to personal prayer, certainly, but above and beyond that, what can you do?  Can you read a good Catholic book, or use a prayer app like Hallow or Amen? Can you come to Eucharistic Adoration? Can you make an annual retreat? Or a day of prayer and reflection? What about joining our Men’s Ministry or attending the Women’s Advent by Candlelight? In short, do something for your own spiritual growth above and beyond Sunday Mass.  

Next, do something for others or for the greater good. Our faith always compels us to reach out to others in love, and Stewardship asks that we share our time and talent with others. So donate to our St. Vincent de Paul Society, or volunteer at Isaiah 58 Ministries. Donate a costume or a coat for their upcoming party. We always need workers for the upcoming Feast on Flad. Be part of our Respect Life group or our Living Justice Ministries. Write or lobby our elected officials about our Catholic values, like Respect for Life, Justice for Immigrants, common sense gun reforms, just economic policies, peace and non-violence, and concern for the poor. In short, be involved!  

Finally, contribute financially to the parish. Not everyone has the same means, but everyone has the ability to give. Remember the widow’s mite? Even a dollar a week goes a long way if it is given in faith. Every faithful steward should be contributing financially to the parish. Reconsider your budget and what you give to the Church and to charity. Sign up for electronic giving to make it easier. Above and beyond that, consider an end of the year gift (which will help your tax returns) or additional gifts when you receive your tax refund, or a prize, or any unexpected income. Consider remembering the parish in your will as a final act of generosity.  Good Catholics and faithful stewards give generously, because we believe that even our money is a gift from God that is meant to be shared.

So, how are you doing in your growth in faith and stewardship? What can you do better? How is God calling you to be more generous with your time, talent, and treasure? On this Stewardship Sunday, let us all ask God for the grace of generosity, knowing how much we have been blessed! As always, know of my thanks for all that you do and all that you give to St. Margaret of Scotland.

May God, who is never outdone in generosity, help all to be more grateful and generous stewards.