This Monday Conversation explores how we use our financial resources through the practice of stewardship and tithing. Fr. Andrew offers some practical considerations for prayer and reflection.
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Tag Archives: Stewardship
Daily Mass: Lazarus and the rich man. Catholic Inspiration
The parable of Lazarus and the rich man pokes at our consciences. Do we see the poverty around us and respond with compassion? We know the teaching of Jesus…may we ask the Lord for the grace to put His words into practice.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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Daily Mass: Who is our master? Catholic Inspiration
Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve two masters. Sooner or later, we must choose who (or what) guides and directs our lives.
Daily Mass: We have been given so much; how are we using it? Catholic Inspiration
The end of today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke will challenge each one of us as we reflect on how we are using the blessings we have received.
Daily Mass: Will we have a body in Heaven? (Answer: Yes!)
St. Paul addresses an issue that people often wonder about: Will we have a body in Heaven? The answer is yes, but it will be much more!
Daily Mass: The spiritual power of detachment, Part II. Catholic Inspiration
Today’s Gospel reading follows up on yesterday’s encounter with the rich young man. As Jesus speaks to His disciples, he reveals the power of detachment as the way that leads us to eternal life.
Daily Mass: The community was of one heart and mind. Catholic Inspiration
“The community of believers was of one heart and mind,” and their example – powered by their faith in the Risen Lord – inspires us to draw together as we face the challenges and obstacles in our lives today.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
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Daily Mass: How are we using what we’ve been given? Catholic Inspiration
The Lord’s parable about the three servants illustrates how we can all use wisely our resources even if we have all been blessed in greater and lesser ways. Point: how will we use what we have been given today?
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 21st Week of the Year
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18th Sunday of the Year: Beware of greed
Study: Are there situations in life where you find greed present? Ask yourself what is the source of this excessive hunger for more.
Pray: Call upon the Lord for the grace to use your resources wisely.
Serve: How can you be generous with your life today?
Mass Readings – 18th Sunday of the Year
The Lord cautions us to “guard against all greed” in the Gospel today, yet another reminder of the timeless power of our faith to speak to the human heart. Let’s take a moment to break down some common aspects of greed:
- Self-centered, focusing on “what I want”
- Excessive, always wanting more
- Applies to a wide variety of human wants – money, fame, power, food, etc.
Greed disregards the needs of others as the individual focuses entirely on self. Seeking more and more, it pushes other things aside in a quest to acquire. And while we often associate greed with money, the Lord’s warning against all forms of greed is apt…we can be greedy about so many things!
So what’s the cure? How do we combat greed in our lives? Here are some key ingredients:
- Gratitude – being thankful for what we have
- Contentment – seeing the blessings in our lives
- Stewardship – using wisely the resources in our care
- Generosity – sharing the gifts of life with those in need
- Prayer – fostering our relationship with God, the source of all gifts
By weaving these elements into our lives we cultivate a perspective that sees all resources as gifts from God that are to be used wisely and well. We have been richly blessed by the Lord! May we live and share our lives in such a way that Christ’s love shines through all that we do.
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Note: This post was first published on July 25, 2016.
Daily Mass: Where is your treasure? Catholic Inspiration
Jesus offers sound spiritual advice that has practical application to our daily lives. Our treasures reveal the depth of our hearts and display what we value and cherish. May we consider the things of heaven to help guide how we live each day here on earth.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 11th Week of the Year
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