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Spirituality of Stewardship
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Gustave Doré, “The Widow’s Mite,” 1870 (photo: Public Domain) -
Each of us have been blessed with an abundance of gifts from our Heavenly Father. Our life, our family and friends, our environment, our talents, these and many more blessings come from God's loving providence. The spirituality of stewardship helps us look with gratitude on the gifts we have freely received and seek to make a return to God and others.
In 1992, the Catholic Bishops in the United States released a beautiful document defining the Christian Steward in four points:- Receive God’s gifts in gratitude
All that we have, our lives, health, family, friends, financial capability, creative or physical attributes, come from a loving God. We should recognize these and give thanks to God. - Nurture these gifts responsibly
Musicians study and practice - as do athletes – we should, too. Every gift can usually be developed and cultivated. "God wishes human beings to be his collaborators in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification; and such collaboration involves stewardship in its most profound sense." (USCCB. 1992) - Share our gifts generously
These gifts were not given to us for our sole enjoyment, rather, we can find joy in sharing them with others. - Return these gifts to God - with an increase
Increase occurs when we develop the basic gifts God gave us (through study and practice), and when we use our gifts for someone else, helping inspire them to live their life more for God. (USCCB Pastoral Letter; "Stewardship – A Disciple’s Response” 1992)Stewardship is more about the disciple's need to give than about
someone else's need to receive!Additional Information:
USCCB Pastoral Letter; "Stewardship – A Disciple’s Response” 1992
4 Reasons for Almsgiving
A Theology of Gift: The Divine Benefactor and Universal Kinship - Receive God’s gifts in gratitude