From The Pastor’s Desk
This past Monday we honored all veterans of our country, but especially the millions of veterans who have fought in the wars of the last 100 years to keep us safe and free. There are approximately 15,764,242 veterans alive today who have in the various wars. The Vietnam veterans are 9.2 million, Gulf War veterans are 5.2 million, Korean veterans are 2.8 million and those who served in WWII are 389,292. The veterans of WWII are dying at an estimated 327per day. That generation who gave so much to keep us free are now returning to the Lord. From 1941 to 1945 the United States fought across the world to stop dictators and their governments from seeking to dominate the world. We owe so much to those men and women. It has been no different for the wars which followed, Korea, Vietnam and the wars in the Middle East. Dictators and ideologies seeking to control people and the world. Let us keep all veterans of our past wars in prayer, as well as those fighting today that we may be free. Each evening mass I celebrate I pray for our military and their safety.
When I mention stewardship, is seems like people only think about, “Father wants more money!” Within marriage, money is a lot of times a touchy subject due to budgets and unexpected emergencies, so it is within “church”. It is not easy to tackle this subject within the parish family. So let’s forget about money, budgets and talk about true stewardship.
It is easy to look at the examples of the Saints before us and throw our arms up in defeat, saying, “Giving up all of my possessions is not realistic—I have a family to take care of. So I guess I cannot do this stewardship thing.” But that thought process is kind of like missing the “spirit” of the law because one is so focused on the “letter” of the law. In the spirit of the great Saints before us, let’s all consider how our lives, our priorities, and our decisions reflect Christ and make some changes where necessary.
Ask yourself: How can I use ten minutes this day, or an hour—whatever is the case, to thank God for all of the blessings he has bestowed on me? I have $5, $50 or $500—how can I use it to help others in need? I have skills in music, computers, listening, carpentry, gardening—whatever talents you’ve been blessed with. How can I use these gifts to show God that I love my brother and sister as I love myself?
Stewardship isn’t a contest of who can give the most money. It isn’t a popularity contest of who is in the most activities. And it certainly isn’t a “Who’s Got Talent” contest of who has the most impressive gifts from God. Stewardship is a very personal commitment to god and to our faith community. And just like jumping back on the diet wagon after you have eaten a dozen donuts, Stewardship is a decision to be made daily—hourly—one act a time. It is never too late to choose Christ as the first priority in your life. And making that choice certainly does not mean that you walk away from your job, your house or your belongings. Stewardship simply means remembering that all we have: in our bank accounts, in our resumes, our hobby rooms and on our Calendars…ALL we have is a gift from God and we should treat it all accordingly. Thank you to Sr. Richard Mary Burke and all those who participated in and organized the Kick off Event to our 5 Year Stewardship Plan Monday, November 4th. It was wonderful to see all who came so energized and inspired for the future of our Parish.