Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 419 Jones Street, Moville, IA 51039-0802 US - STEWARDSHIP

“Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” May I, too, stand ready to offer myself and my gifts in the service of God.

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Wise men from the East came to pay homage to the infant Jesus, bringing Him rich gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gifts we bring — our time, service, and some share of what we earn for the work we do — are equally precious in His sight.

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Joseph’s obedience to God was not a one-time thing. His attention to the angel’s warning kept Jesus from being murdered by Herod and led to the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be a Nazorean. Fidelity to God’s will assures the best use of my talents, too!

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When he discovered that Mary was with child, Joseph resolved to end their engagement with as little disgrace as possible. But obedient to the voice of God, he changed those plans and became instead the protector of the child Jesus and His mother, Mary. God grant that I may be as open to the leading of the Holy Spirit!

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Each of us has his or her own role to play in the coming of the kingdom of God. John the
Baptist was called to be the herald of the Messiah, preparing the way of the Lord. To what is the Lord calling me?

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We must be good stewards of God’s gifts to us, receiving them gratefully and cultivating them with care, lest we be the ones about whom John the Baptist speaks today, cautioning us, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

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The Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. Good stewards know that they are accountable to God for all they have and are, and they strive to live in readiness for His coming.

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Our faith reminds us 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?

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The Scriptures sometimes paint a somewhat frightening picture of the end of time. But we are assured that the faithful stewards who persevere will be saved.

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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.

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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.”

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The Scriptures 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?

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Jesus calls all of us — not just the apostles — to go and make disciples. If we cannot actually go to the missions, we can answer Jesus’ call by giving generously of our prayers and financial resources to support those who can and do.

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Jesus healed ten lepers. Only one (ten percent) came 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?

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When will I have given enough — of my income, of my time, of my talents? Jesus 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.’”

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The sin of the rich man in the 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? stewardship such that anyone can tell?

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The dishonest manager in Jesus’ 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 I serve? Is my stewardship such that anyone can tell?

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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?

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Jesus tells the crowd that only those who renounce all of their possessions can be 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.


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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!

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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.

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St. Paul encourages us not to grow weary or lose heart, but to persevere in following Jesus. Our willingness to give of ourselves, even in the face of conflict and division, is one way to measure our discipleship.

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Jesus urges us to give generously and thus build up treasure in heaven. For “wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be.” [See Luke 12:34]

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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?

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Jesus described God’s immeasurable generosity when He says, “Whoever 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.

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Abraham, who cheerfully did for his guests all that desert hospitality required, was rewarded with his heart’s desire — a son. Martha also busied herself with all the details of hospitality, but grudgingly and with complaint. Am I a cheerful or a grudging giver?

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The good Samaritan was also a good steward, giving his time and his treasure to meet his
neighbor’s need. At the end of this familiar story, Jesus urges His hearers — and us — to go and do the same!

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“The harvest is rich,” Jesus tells the seventy-two disciples, “but the workers are few.” The situation is the same today. How can I help with God’s harvest? Am I called into the field? Am I one who could provide food or shelter or wages to those who toil in the fields
of the Lord?

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St. Paul provides a wonderful one-sentence summary of Christian stewardship: Out of love, place yourselves at one another’s service.

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“Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks Peter. Does my use of the gifts and talents entrusted to me accurately reflect my answer to that same question? How willing am I to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow in His steps?

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Like the King David, we sin when we begin to feel entitled and act as if what we have is ours by right, when we forget that everything we have is an unmerited gift from God. But God is gracious and forgiving — even when we use His gifts wrongly or squander them thoughtlessly — if, like David, we confess our guilt and ask His pardon.

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The Scriptures remind us that “we, many though we are, are one body for we all partake of the one loaf.” How are we using our gifts of time and talent to build up the Body of Christ?

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We have been crowned with glory and honor and given rule over the works of God’s hands. But we must be good stewards, for the Lord will surely hold us accountable for the use of those gifts!

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One miracle of Pentecost was that, despite their diversity, each listener heard God’s word in his or her own language. The meaning for stewardship is that, by sharing the gifts poured out on us by the Holy Spirit, we will be empowered to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters, whatever they may be.

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Jesus ascended into heaven, blessing His disciples and promising that they would soon receive the power of the Holy Spirit. We who have received that promised gift of the Spirit are now empowered to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth — to use our time and talents to spread the good news of salvation.

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The Book of Revelation offers a vision of the City of God, the new Jerusalem.
“But,” the bishops’ pastoral on stewardship reminds us, “that ‘life to come’ is in continuity with this present life through the human goods, the worthy human purposes, which people foster now.”

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Jesus gives His disciples — and us — a new commandment: “Love one another.” Good stewards who spend their time and talents in service to others are well on their way to fulfilling this commandment.

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Paul and Barnabas encountered both violent rejection and joyful acceptance of the message that they preached. We, too, may meet with mixed reactions when we use our gifts in the service of God. But, the Gospel assures us, the reward for those who follow faithfully is eternal life.

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Jesus tells Peter again and again, “If you love Me, feed my sheep.” He says the same to each of us, “If you love Me, use the gifts I have given you to serve your brothers and sisters.”

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“Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believed,” Jesus says in today’s Gospel. For those who have not seen to believe, however, we must be good stewards of our faith, living it joyfully and sharing it generously. Then, in our time too, “men and women in great numbers” will be “added to the Lord.”

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St. Paul reminds the Colossians that they have been raised with Christ, exhorting them to “think about the things above rather than things of earth.” We, too, have been raised with Christ. Let us rejoice and be glad!

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In the Gospel, we hear that the owners of the donkey had only to be told, “The Master has need of it,” to give the animal gladly. Do I give as readily to the Lord’s work?

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St. Paul says, “For His sake I have forfeited everything; I have accounted all else rubbish so that Christ may be my wealth.” Does my stewardship suggest that I could say the same?

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The stewardship message in the parable of the prodigal son is that it is never too late to become a good steward. Blessed is the elder brother who had been a good steward all along, but blessed, too, is the prodigal, who had to lose all he had in order to understand the value of what he’d been given.

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Jesus' parable of the fig tree clearly warns that we, like the fig tree, will be judged by our fruit. While God mercifully provides us with time and opportunity, let us give witness to our
faith with deeds of kindness and generosity!

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Peter, James, and John wanted to build a “booth” for Jesus and just stay on the mountain where His transfiguration took place. But the Son of God, the Chosen One, knew that He must instead keep moving toward His crucifixion. We, too, must rise from worship and do what we can to hasten the coming of the kingdom.

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The first fruits of the people of Israel were to be presented to the Lord in thanksgiving for their deliverance from Egypt and the gift of the promised
land. Is my offering at today’s Mass an appropriate response to the many blessings the Lord has given me?

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Jesus offered encouraging words for good stewards — “Give and it shall be given to you. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you.” What encouragement to give generously of the resources entrusted to our care!

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The words of the psalmist echo the theme of all of today’s readings. “Blessed are they who
hope in the Lord.” As good stewards, firmly grounded in that hope, may we bear fruit in due season — assisting the poor, feeding the hungry, and consoling the sorrowful whenever
we have the chance.

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Both Isaiah and Peter heard the call of God and felt themselves unworthy. But, reassured by the Lord, both answer and follow. Do I hear the Lord asking, “Whom shall I send?” Am I prepared to answer, “Here I am. Send me!”?

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Jeremiah declares that the Lord knew him before he was born, and dedicated and appointed him to his role as prophet even before he drew breath. We, too, are known and sent by the Lord. What deeds of love and service are mine to perform?

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The U.S. bishops’ pastoral on stewardship reinforces today’s reading from 1 Corinthians: “Because its individual members do collectively make up the Body of Christ, that body’s health and well-being are the responsibility of the members — the personal responsibility of each one of us. We all are stewards of the Church.”

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St. Paul tells the Corinthians (and us) that all of our gifts are from God and that they are given, not for ourselves alone, but for the common good. But the generosity of God knows no limits — the miracle at Cana reminds us that whenever we faithfully do as God asks, He can change our gifts of water into wine!

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The magi traveled a great distance at considerable cost to offer their richest gifts to the Infant Jesus. How far will I go and what will I offer to do homage to this newborn King and Savior?

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1 Samuel provides a challenging blueprint for the good stewardship of our family relationships. How do I measure up?

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The Gospel tells of the Virgin Mary, pregnant herself, hurrying off to help her cousin Elizabeth. The model of good stewardship, she who had given herself to bear the Savior gave her time and love to others as well.

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Luke 3:11 provides a blueprint for good stewardship: “Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same.”

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Good stewards believe that God, who has begun this good work in them, will carry it through to completion. In words and deeds, they can sing with the psalmist, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy!” [See Psalm 126]

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“Be on guard,” Jesus warns in today’s Gospel, “lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence.” Let us heed His warning and follow the advice of St. Paul, conducting ourselves in a way pleasing to God, overflowing with love for one another. [See Luke 21:34]

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The sacrifice of Christ frees us from sin and makes us a royal nation of priests in the service of God. How am I using my gifts to serve God and others?

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The scriptures speak of the end of the world and the coming of the kingdom. The bishops’ pastoral on stewardship says clearly “that ‘life to come’ is in continuity with this present life through the human goods, the worthy human purposes, which people foster now.” May our good stewardship help us to be numbered among the chosen on the last day!

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Two widows mentioned in scripture gave all they had to the work of the Lord, one using all her remaining food to feed Elijah and the other offering her two copper coins to the temple treasury. Faithful stewards give all that is asked and trust the Lord to be faithful to His promises.

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What percentage does God ask of me as a good steward? All of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind, and all of my strength!

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Psalm 126 says, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” Good stewards demonstrate by their living and giving that they understand God as the Source of all they are and have. [See Psalm 126]

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Good stewards must not argue about who is the most important. The Gospel says clearly that those who aspire to greatness must humbly serve the needs of all. Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.

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Jesus asked the rich young man to give away all that he has in order to have treasure in heaven. But he is unable to free himself from his possessions, and so he goes sadly away. Does what I own keep me from following Jesus?

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The phrase in Psalm 128, “May you see your children’s children,” is really a prayer for a long life. The good steward knows that every day is a gift from God, to be lived with joy and thanksgiving. “May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives!” [See Psalm 128]

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St. James warns that those who hoard their wealth and live only for themselves will be condemned. But in the Gospel, Jesus assures us that all who give of themselves for His sake will be rewarded.


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St. James warns that a heart consumed with avarice and envy leads to jealousy, strife, conflicts, and disputes. A giving heart, in contrast, can sing instead with the psalmist, “Freely will I offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name, O Lord, for its goodness.” [See Psalm 54]

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St. James has harsh words for those who do not put their faith into action. May we be such good stewards of God’s gifts to us that we can never be accused of having “Faith that does nothing in practice.” [See James 2:17]

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The good steward must not show favoritism. The rich may have many material gifts to share, but St. James reminds us that God has chosen the world’s poor to be rich in faith and inheritors of God’s kingdom.

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“Every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit, comes from above,” says St. James. But, he reminds us, true worship of God involves using those good gifts to benefit the less fortunate. Good stewardship is not optional; it is the hallmark of our faith! [See James 1:17]

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Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve. Recalling
God’s faithfulness to them and to their ancestors, the people declare, “We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.” May we, too, be mindful of God’s gifts to us and renew our commitment to serve Him with grateful hearts. [See Joshua 24:18]

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Even though we are told that if we seek the Lord, we shall not want, St. Paul reminds us that, thus blessed by the Lord, the good steward should “give thanks to God the Father always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [See Ephesians 5:20]

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The gifts of God that the angel brought to Elijah — food, water, rest, and encouragement — were given, not for his own good alone, but to strengthen him for service. How am I using my gifts to serve others?

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Peter yearned to do something to make concrete the Transfiguration he had witnessed. But to be a good steward of this spiritual gift, he was instructed to be still, to listen to Jesus, and to wait for His direction. Good advice for us, too!

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“The hand of the Lord feeds us,” says the psalmist; “he answers all our needs.” Both Elisha’s servant in the first reading and the disciples in the Gospel story who witnessed the feeding of the five thousand saw this happen and knew it to be true. [See Psalm 145]

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Jesus had planned to slip away from the crowds for a few moments of peace and a little rest. When He saw the people gathered, however, He put His needs aside to meet the needs of others. Sometimes, as good stewards, we are called to do the same.

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The prophet Amos was chosen by the Lord and sent to use his talents for the people of God. The Gospel recounts the story of the sending of the twelve. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we, too, are chosen. For what have I been chosen? To whom have I been sent?

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During this time, we celebrate the independence of our country. We would do well to echo the psalmist, saying, “Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His mercy.” May we always recognize and use wisely the gifts of freedom and abundance He has showered upon us. [See Psalm 123]

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St. Paul explains the “divine economy” of stewardship — “The relief of others ought not to impoverish you; there should be a certain equality. Your plenty at the present time should supply their need so that their surplus may in turn one day supply your need.” [See 2 Corinthians 8:13-14]

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St. Paul reminds us that Christ died “so that those who live might live no longer for themselves.” What we give to and do for others, we give to and do for Jesus! [See 2 Corinthians 5:15]

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The bishops’ stewardship pastoral asks, “And what do Christians bring to the Eucharistic celebration and join there with Jesus’ offering?” The answer: “Their lives as Christian disciples; their personal vocations and the stewardship they have exercised regarding them; their individual contributions to the great work of restoring all things in Christ.”

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We have been crowned with glory and honor and given rule over the works of God’s hands. But we must be good stewards, for the Lord will surely hold us accountable for the use of those gifts!

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St. Paul reminds us that all of our gifts have their source in the Holy Spirit and that those gifts are given “for the common good.” What gifts are mine to share?

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Jesus is the perfect steward — watching carefully over all who have been entrusted to Him by the Father and then sending them all out into the world in service. May I similarly protect and wisely use the gifts entrusted to me!

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Jesus’ commandment is that His disciples love one another, even to the point of laying down their lives, if necessary. What gifts of myself — my skills and talents, my time and resources — will best demonstrate my love for God’s people?

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Jesus says that God is glorified when a disciple, grafted in Christ, produces abundantly and bears much fruit. The disciple must then be a good steward of that abundance.

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To be good stewards we must be good shepherds, willing to lay down our lives for those committed to our care, not mere hired hands who run off, “leaving the sheep to be snatched and scattered by the wolf.”

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The disciples came to know Jesus in the breaking of the bread. When we share what we have with those who are in need, we, too, will discover Jesus in our midst.

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The Christian community described in Acts understood and practiced total stewardship. St. Paul reports that the believers did not claim anything as their own, but held everything in common, and distributed to each whatever was needed.

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Alleluia! Christ is risen and is victorious over sin and death! We are good stewards of our faith if, like St. Paul, we share this good news whenever and wherever we can.

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Good stewards strive to conform their lives to that of Christ — emptying themselves of all pride and putting themselves at the service of others.

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“If anyone would serve me,” says Jesus, “let him follow me; where I am, there will my servant be.” In what way is Jesus inviting me to follow Him? What service is He asking of me? [See John 12:26]

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All that we have and all that we are comes from the Lord. “We are truly his handiwork,” says St. Paul, “created in Christ Jesus to lead a life of good deeds which God prepared for us in advance.” [See Ephesians 2:10]

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“You shall not covet” is perhaps a difficult commandment to keep in our consumer-oriented society. But as Christian stewards, we know that we are the recipients and caretakers of God’s many gifts. May this understanding that all is gift help us be less resentful of the gifts of others.

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Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. St. Paul reminds us that God Himself “did not spare His own Son.” Are my gifts to the Lord — of my resources, of my time, of myself — also sacrificial? [See Romans 8:32]

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The waters of Baptism make us part of the new covenant in Christ. But the bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship reminds us that “there is a fundamental obligation arising from the Sacrament of Baptism. . . that people place their gifts, their resources — their selves — at God’s service in and through the Church.”

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St. Paul tells the Corinthians that they are living letters, “known and read by all.” What does the letter of my life reveal to those who read it? Can they tell by the way I live that I belong to Christ and that all I am and have is His? [See 2 Corinthians 3:2]

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Forgiveness, too, is a gift from God. Freed from the paralysis of sin, the man in today’s Gospel was able to stand and give witness to the power of God. How do I let sin cripple me? Am I a good steward of the gift of God’s forgiveness?

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St. Paul urges the Corinthians to “do all for the glory of God.” If we follow that advice in everything we do, we cannot help but be good stewards! [See 1 Corinthians 10:31]

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Like St. Paul, the good steward can say, “I do all that I do for the sake of the Gospel in the hope of sharing in its blessings.”[See 1 Corinthians 9:23]

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Moses told the people, “The Lord will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own kinsmen.” God still provides among His people the gifts and talents necessary to continue the work of His Church. What gifts are yours to share? [See Deuteronomy 18:15]

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There is a certain urgency in the Gospel as Jesus calls His first disciples — Andrew and Simon, James and John. Each one follows Jesus immediately, unhesitatingly abandoning nets and boats and father and fellow-workers. To what is Jesus calling me — at this moment, in these circumstances? What will I need to abandon in order to follow Him?

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Samuel respond eagerly, “Here I am!” each time the Lord calls him. May we, too, be listening for the call of God in our lives and be ready to say like the psalmist, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” See 1 Samuel 3:4; Psalm 40

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The wise men who came from the East to pay homage to the infant Jesus brought Him rich gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as part of their worship. What gifts have I brought to this celebration to offer to the newborn Savior?

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The first reading today recalls God’s special blessing upon the Israelites. The Lord has been gracious to us as well, pouring into our hearts that spirit which knows Him as Father and makes us His children. May we, like Mary, treasure these things in our hearts and live gratefully!

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The shepherds who heard the joyous news from the angels on that first Christmas night and then hurried to find the infant Savior must surely have been changed by that experience. How has His coming changed my life?

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God promised King David that his house and his kingdom will endure forever. It is through Mary’s “Yes” —“I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.”— that the promise finds fulfillment.

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The prophet Isaiah, the Virgin Mary, St. Paul, St. John the Baptist — seemed to understand clearly and rejoice in what God was calling them to be and to do. Do I?

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John the Baptist’s call to repentance is echoed in the U.S. bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship: Christians must beg God for the grace of conversion: the grace to know who they are, to whom they belong, how they are to live — the grace to repent and change and grow, the grace to become good disciples and stewards.”

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We are the servants of God, each with his or her own task. We will be judged good stewards if, at His coming, He finds us ready and conscientiously pursuing the tasks to which we have been called.

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When the Son of Man comes in glory, may we be among those who have fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger, and clothed the naked. For Jesus tells us clearly that it is those who have demonstrated good stewardship by sharing their gifts with the less fortunate who will receive God’s blessing and inherit the kingdom.

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Good stewards are like the industrious and reliable servants in today’s Gospel, prudently using and multiplying the gifts entrusted to them by God.

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Like the sensible bridesmaids in today’s parable, good stewards make sure that they, and whatever gifts are theirs to share, are ready to serve when the Master calls.

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“The greatest among you will be the one who serves the rest,” Jesus says. What wonderful good news for those who give of their time in service to others! (Mt 23:11)

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We fulfill the commandment to love our neighbor when we exercise good stewardship — joyfully sharing our gifts of life, abilities, and resources to meet our neighbor’s need.

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is the way we build up treasure in heaven.

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St. Paul always saw giving as a happy act, not as a loss.

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St. Paul always saw giving as an opportunity and not a burden.

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St. Paul always saw giving as an act of homage to God.

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is a sign of our aliveness.

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is a matter of faith.

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helps God’s work to continue.

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is a natural and grateful response to God.

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helps us to assume responsibility on behalf of God’s kingdom.

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helps us to comfort the world.

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helps us to thank God.

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expresses our Christianity.

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involves our time.

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involves time, talent, and treasure and helps us to evangelize and help serve our communities’ needs.

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means carrying out our Christian responsibilities.

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means carrying out God’s plans.

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means putting God first.

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means opening our heart to God.

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means listening for God’s response.

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means getting involved.

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means building up the Body of Christ.

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about showing gratitude to God.

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is lightening our loads.

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is the way we follow God’s plan for us.

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is the way we trust God’s plan for us.

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is the way we give thanks to God.

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is the way we show compassion.

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is the way we reach out to others.

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expresses our love for Christ.

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expresses that God comes first.

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is a life of total accountability to God.

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is a life of total responsibility to God.

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acknowledges God as creator and owner of all.

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acknowledges God as the source of all gifts.

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is how we invest in our future.

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is a way of living the gospel message.

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is a commitment to the eternal.

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is earth-shaking.

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helps others to know God.

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helps us to live our faith.

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helps us to build community.

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helps us to curb inhumanity.

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helps to make our lives inspired by God.

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means a life dedicated to a life of service to both God and people.