St. Paul writes in today’s 2nd Scripture reading: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” The many gifts that come from God’s Spirit are meant for the good of all. What gifts has God given me? This is the question we prayerfully reflect upon on stewardship commitment Sunday. Am I using these gifts for the building of the parish community? What gifts has God given me? What gifts do we use for the building of the common good of this parish community -- like the gift of praying, singing, teaching, caring, sharing, encouraging, supporting, motivating, writing, tithing, and social justice commitment.
By His words and by His actions, Jesus proclaimed the Good News of His teaching, His healing and his saving ministry. The Kingdom of God was to be discovered in the mission and ministry of Jesus. On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we reflect on our baptism as well. Yes, we too are God’s beloved sons and daughters. In Baptism we are initiated into the life of Christ. We are called to discipleship of the Lord Jesus. As we reflect on our spiritual identity as the community of the baptized, we are Catholics; we are the disciples of the Lord Jesus; another way of describing our ourselves is -- we are stewards. We are missioned by God to be co-stewards of all of God’s creation. In our spirituality of stewardship, our basic truths are that all is a gift of God. We are the recipients of God’s unending love. Our best response to God’s love for us is gratitude. Stewardship of Time is the most important component of stewardship. Stewardship of time is our prayer life. Do you spend some time each day to give thanks to God for the blessings of your life? We need to be very, very intentional about allowing even a few minutes each day to be still and to live in gratitude for the blessings of life. What commitment, what priority do you place on sharing your talents with our parish community? What responsibility do you feel in making this community a more vibrant -- in a liturgical ministry or as a catechist? There are so many ways to participate. As the pastor, there is no doubt that this parish isn’t just about dollars and cents. I deeply believe stewardship of time and talent are more important. On the other hand, the parish is dependent upon your financial generosity. My hope is we can create a momentum, among those who are able, to increase our tithing to the parish in the Sunday collection, with the automatic withdrawal a preferred method. To whom much is given, much is expected. May God bless our stewardship commitment to our parish life, and may God bless our commitment to be stewards of all of God’s creation.
The life of Jesus begins with Mary at the Bethlehem crib. Therefore it is most appropriate we begin the New Year with Mary on this her feast day of Mary the Mother of God. Perhaps this year following the example of Mary, instead of filling your plate with your plans, your resolutions for the New Year, simply try to be open for what God has planned for you in 2016. Live this year with open hands and a trusting heart. As with Mary, say YES to God’s plan for you this year. You may not hear the voice of the angel Gabriel as Mary did, but when you make room for God in your life, you will discern God’s call. Yes, we may be surprised at what will happen. It may not be what you expect. There may be interruptions to our plans. But know this, God won’t leave us alone. You won’t need to make new plans for your family life, your work life, or your neighborhood life. All that is necessary is to follow the example of Mary. My goal, my prayer for this New Year is to simply follow the example of Mary: “She kept all these things, pondering on them in her heart.” My simple plan is to take a few minutes each evening -- It could be any time of the day – and simple be aware of my day, what has happened, who I have encountered, and most importantly to be grateful for how God has been present in my life this day. May we pray as Mary prayed. May we pray each and every day – and not just to ask God for a favor. Seek to make your life a conversation with God. Listen and ponder in your heart what God has to say to you. God is speaking to you in all that is happening in your life – in both life’s joys and in life’s sufferings. They are all part of the conversation God is having with you. God desires for you to ponder these things in your heart and to say YES to the plan of God in your life.