Stewardship
Weekly Scripture Reflections
ORDINARY TIME (YEAR B)
January 11, 2009 – Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. The U.S. bishops pastoral on stewardship reminds us that Baptism gives all of His disciples a share in His priestly work and calls them “to offer up the world and all that is in it — especially themselves — to the Lord of all.”
January 18, 2009 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s first reading, we hear Samuel respond eagerly, “Here I am!” each time the Lord calls him. May we, too, be listening for the call of God in our lives and be ready to say like the psalmist, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” See 1 Samuel 3:4; Psalm 40
January 25, 2009 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
There is a certain urgency in today’s Gospel as Jesus calls His first disciples — Andrew and Simon, James and John. Each one follows Jesus immediately, unhesitatingly abandoning nets and boats and father and fellow-workers. To what is Jesus calling me — at this moment, in these circumstances? What will I need to abandon in order to follow Him?
February 1, 2009 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Moses told the people, “The Lord will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own kinsmen.” God still provides among His people the gifts and talents necessary to continue the work of His Church. What gifts are yours to share? See Deuteronomy 18:15
February 8, 2009 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Like St. Paul in the second reading, the good steward can say, “I do all that I do for the sake of the Gospel in the hope of sharing in its blessings.” See 1 Corinthians 9:23
February 15, 2009 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today’s second reading, St. Paul urges the Corinthians to “do all for the glory of God.” If we follow that advice in everything we do, we cannot help but be good stewards! See 1 Corinthians 10:31
February 22, 2009 0 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Forgiveness, too, is a gift from God. Freed from the paralysis of sin, the man in today’s Gospel was able to stand and give witness to the power of God. How do I let sin cripple me? Am I a good steward of the gift of God’s forgiveness?
February 25, 2009 - Ash Wednesday
In today’s Gospel Jesus warns that our giving must be done quietly, without hoping for recognition or applause. But He also promises that God, who sees even our most secret deeds, will reward those who fast, pray, and give alms.
March 1, 2009 - First Sunday of Lent
The waters of Baptism make us part of the new covenant in Christ. But the bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship reminds us that “there is a fundamental obligation arising from the Sacrament of Baptism. . . that people place their gifts, their resources — their selves — at God’s service in and through the Church.”
March 8, 2009 - Second Sunday of Lent
Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. St. Paul reminds us that God Himself “did not spare His own Son.” Are my gifts to the Lord — of my resources, of my time, of myself — also sacrificial? See Romans 8:32
March 15, 2009 - Third Sunday of Lent
“You shall not covet” is perhaps a difficult commandment to keep in our consumer-oriented society. But as Christian stewards, we know that we are the recipients and caretakers of God’s many gifts. May this understanding that all is gift help us be less resentful of the gifts of others.
-or- (if the readings from Cycle A are used)
When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink of water, He opened the door for a life-changing relationship with Him. Scripture says her testimony drew many others to Him as well. We, too, must be ready to respond whenever and wherever the Lord speaks to us and be prepared for it to change our lives!
March 22, 2009 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
All that we have and all that we are comes from the Lord. “We are truly his handiwork,” says St. Paul in the second reading, “created in Christ Jesus to lead a life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance.” See Ephesians 2:10
-or- (if the readings from Cycle A are used)
The blind man in today’s Gospel was willing to let Jesus minister to him and willingly did all Jesus asked of him. The Pharisees were more resistant to His message, spending their time and energy to disprove the miracle. Which am I more like, the man born blind or the Pharisees?
March 29, 2009 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
“If anyone would serve me,” says Jesus in today’s Gospel, “let him follow me; where I am, there will my servant be.” In what way is Jesus inviting me to follow Him? What service is He asking of me? See John 12:26
-or- (if the readings from Cycle A are used)
When Jesus heard about the illness of His friend, Lazarus, He responded, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Every aspect of our lives — our sufferings as well as our gifts — can, if surrendered to Christ, lead to blessing for ourselves and others. See John 11:4
April 5, 2009 – Palm/Passion Sunday
Good stewards strive to conform their lives to that of Christ — emptying themselves of all pride and putting themselves at the service of others.