In my articles the last several weeks, I have written about the scriptural perspective of our use of our “time, talent and treasure.” We are judged in our stewardship of God’s gifts: our priorities of time, our sharing of resources, assets and means. In the readings this Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we hear very clearly God’s standpoint regarding the use and abuse of wealth and position.
The Old Testament reading is clear: it is bad enough to not defend and help those who are weaker, but to exploit them is about as evil and odious as it can get. (Something to think about whenever you vote…) The New Testament reading is about praying for those in charge of our communal wealth and well-being, something we should do every Sunday in our Prayers of the Faithful, and every day in our personal prayers.
The Gospel story today is the parable of “the unjust steward.” The words of Jesus at the end of the story are the crux of the idea of good stewardship: “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.” I always think of this piece of Scripture as a commentary on the “slippery slope.” You remember that ‘slope’; it starts with little ‘cut corners’ and then you find yourself lost and on a totally different street!
We are charged with the competent stewardship of all we are given: the gifts, the accountability for ourselves, our responsibility for others (as baptized persons, parents, teachers, ministers, doctors, civil servants, etc.), and of God’s Creation itself. We must persevere in the daily practice of our faith given us by God and say “No!” to the slippery slope, even in small things like: “tell them I’m not at home” or letting the water run as you brush your teeth. The small, every day we things we do matters and adds up—and may lead us down that slippery slope. We must witness our faith in all we say and do, in our priorities, with all our gifts, talents and treasures, hearts, minds and spirits. This is how we build the Kingdom on earth.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
JUST A NOTE: It is not (and never) too late to join a ministry. If you enjoy singing or you play an instrument, please see me about getting involved in our St. Aidan Music Ministry. I am looking for all voice parts (children, men and women) and a variety of instrumentalists (especially the bass) for our various ensembles. Come and see me after any Mass, or email me at: ejdyc@att.net.
The Old Testament reading is clear: it is bad enough to not defend and help those who are weaker, but to exploit them is about as evil and odious as it can get. (Something to think about whenever you vote…) The New Testament reading is about praying for those in charge of our communal wealth and well-being, something we should do every Sunday in our Prayers of the Faithful, and every day in our personal prayers.
The Gospel story today is the parable of “the unjust steward.” The words of Jesus at the end of the story are the crux of the idea of good stewardship: “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.” I always think of this piece of Scripture as a commentary on the “slippery slope.” You remember that ‘slope’; it starts with little ‘cut corners’ and then you find yourself lost and on a totally different street!
We are charged with the competent stewardship of all we are given: the gifts, the accountability for ourselves, our responsibility for others (as baptized persons, parents, teachers, ministers, doctors, civil servants, etc.), and of God’s Creation itself. We must persevere in the daily practice of our faith given us by God and say “No!” to the slippery slope, even in small things like: “tell them I’m not at home” or letting the water run as you brush your teeth. The small, every day we things we do matters and adds up—and may lead us down that slippery slope. We must witness our faith in all we say and do, in our priorities, with all our gifts, talents and treasures, hearts, minds and spirits. This is how we build the Kingdom on earth.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
JUST A NOTE: It is not (and never) too late to join a ministry. If you enjoy singing or you play an instrument, please see me about getting involved in our St. Aidan Music Ministry. I am looking for all voice parts (children, men and women) and a variety of instrumentalists (especially the bass) for our various ensembles. Come and see me after any Mass, or email me at: ejdyc@att.net.
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