Stewardship Bulletin Reflection

Our readings for this second Sunday of Lent offer us Christian stewards motivation to continue on our 40-day journey towards deeper holiness.

The first reading from the book of Genesis describes God’s call to Abram (who would later be called Abraham). God instructs Abram to leave his home and set out to a land that God had chosen for him. Abram’s response is an ancient example of a good stewardship. Instead of clinging to his comfortable home and way of life, he recognizes that all he has is gift from God, puts his trust in God and obeys. And God rewards him saying,

“I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

“Listen to him… Rise, and do not be afraid.”

To “be a blessing” is the true aim of a stewardship way of life. It is also an excellent way to live out the season of Lent. The sacrifices we take on, the spiritual disciplines we practice, the extra acts of service we perform during this season— all give glory to God and transform our lives into a blessing for others. Lest we grow weary on this path, our Gospel passage today, from Matthew, offers us a powerful image of the great God we serve.

It is the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus, when our Lord reveals Himself in His true glory and the Father says,

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

The apostles who witnessed this were awestruck. But our loving Savior reassured them saying,

“Rise, and do not be afraid.”

What will our response be?

As we continue on our Lenten journey, let us take these two verses, “Listen to him,” “Rise, and do not be afraid” to heart. Let us rely on God’s strength to aid us in our spiritual disciplines as we move through Lent. We will arrive at Easter with deeper holiness, as a blessing to God and others — and as better stewards of all God’s gifts to us.

— Stewardship Reflections by The Catholic Steward and Catholic Stewardship Consultants