In the Divine Liturgy we say at the end of every set of petitions, "Let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God." Stewardship is about "committing our whole life to God" in all of its varied aspects. From the time that we are given, to the many talents, gifts and skills that our Lord has granted us, and to the wealth and abundance that the Lord has bestowed on all of us. We are called to orient all of those aspects to our Lord in thanksgiving and joy! "For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21)

 

Christian stewardship means that I own nothing. Everything I have belongs to God. He has loaned it to me. I am committed to use it responsibly, and one day, I will have to answer to Him for my use or misuse of His gifts. I am the manager of God’s gifts: my time, my talents, my possessions, my body, my soul – everything belongs to God. Saint Paul asks us, “What have you that you have not received?” Money, for example, becomes a sacrament when it is offered to God.

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It becomes a visible expression of our commitment, faith, and love for Jesus. Once given to God, our gifts are consecrated by the Holy Spirit, who then translates them into works of mercy that bring glory to God. - Father Anthony M. Coniaris (1926-2020)