Cycle C
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus is describing God's immeasurable generosity when He says in today's Gospel, "Who-ever asks, receives; whoever seeks, finds; whoever knocks, is admitted." But it should also be the description of us as Christian stewards - those seeking to follow Christ by using our gifts in service to others. See Luke 11:10
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus urges us to be rich in what matters to God. The psalmist warns us against hardening our hearts. Are our hearts open to what really matters?
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Am I waiting for the "right" time to become a good steward? Do I plan to share my time and talents "later?" Today's Gospel warns those who are procrastinating about stewardship to be prepared - "at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." See Luke 12:34
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today's second reading, St. Paul encourages us not to grow weary or lose heart, but to per-severe in following Jesus. Our willingness to give of ourselves, even in the face of conflict and division, is one way to measure our discipleship.
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's reading from Isaiah describes the Israelites bringing their offering to the Lord "in clean vessels." The gift of myself - my patient endurance and fidelity to the will of God - is as important as the monetary gift I offer. See Isaiah 66:20
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the Gospel today, Jesus warns us not to give in to hopes of repayment, but to give openhandedly to the poor and needy. That sort of giving mirrors the bountiful giving of God, and Jesus assures us it is blessed indeed!
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus tells the crowd that only those who renounce all of their possessions can he His disciples. Is He truly asking us to give up everything? Perhaps instead He is trying to help us see that everything we think we own is really a gift from God. Good stewards know that and strive to use those gifts accountably.
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
We can hear God speaking to us today in the words of the father to his elder son: "You are with me always, and everything I have is yours." What is my response to such remarkable generosity? Do I give joyfully and generously as God gives to me? See Luke 15:31
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The dishonest manager in today's parable knew how to manipulate money to his own advantage. But the Gospel warns that no one can serve both God and money. Which do 1 serve? Is my stewardship such that anyone can tell?
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The sin of the rich man in today's parable was not that he was rich, but that he failed to share his wealth with the beggar at his gate. He knew Lazarus, perhaps walked by him every time he came in or out, but did nothing to relieve his suffering. Is there a Lazarus in my life? What am I doing to help?
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
When will I have given enough - of my income, of my time, of my talents? Today's Gospel suggests that only total stewardship will do: "When you have done all you have been commanded to do, say, `We are useless servants. We have done no more than our duty."' See Luke 17:10
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus healed ten lepers in today's Gospel. Only one (ten percent) carne back to say thank you. I, too, have received many blessings from the Lord - indeed, all I am and all I have is gift! How and how often have I remembered to thank Him?
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's theme is perseverance - Moses keeping his hands upraised throughout the battle, Paul urging Timothy to stay with the task of preaching and teaching, and the widow appealing to the corrupt judge. To be faithful stewards of God's gifts, we, too, must persevere in the roles to which we are called.
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Both the first reading and today's psalm say clearly that the Lord hears the cry of the poor. Have I been given the gifts - of time or money or abilities - to be the means by which God answers their need?
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
We are called to be good stewards of our personal vocations. St. Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians is therefore ours, too - "that our God may make us worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith." See 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
In today's second reading, St. Paul prays that the Thessalonians may be strengthened "in every good deed and word." May we, too, be strengthened and empowered to use our time and talents for the good of others. See 2 Thessalonians 2:17
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's readings paint a somewhat frightening picture of the end of time. But the Gospel ends with the assurance to faithful stewards that those who persevere will be saved.
Christ the King - November 21, 2010
Today we celebrate Christ the King and are reminded that all was created through Him and for Him. Does my stewardship of the blessings entrusted to me give evidence that Christ is Lord of my life?
