What is Stewardship?

"The promotion of the practice of stewardship is important for the mission of the Church and for the spiritual well-being of each individual Christian.  Everyone benefits from the sacrificial gift one makes of his time, talent and treasure."

- Pope Benedict XVI

May 28, 2023 — Pentecost Sunday
ACTS 1: 1-11; PS 47:2-3, 6-9; EPH 1:17-23; MT 28:16-20

​Throughout our readings today, we see the amazing truth that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts and guidance in a very personal way. We are meant to use these gifts to build up the Body of Christ in a way that is unique to each one of us. 
 
Our first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, recalls the dramatic moment when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the apostles. “Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
 
Notice how personal and individual is this outpouring of the Spirit. This personalized way of “gifting” the apostles allowed them each to reach different people, sharing with them the “mighty acts of God.” Embracing the stewardship way of life means that we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in the best use of the unique gifts He has given to each of us, to accomplish the particular mission entrusted to us.
 
Jesus gives us this mission in our Gospel passage from John. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” But we must not let this responsibility overwhelm us. Jesus Himself, tells us so — “Peace be with you.”
 
As this Easter season comes to a close, let us be at peace. And let us resolve to lean on the Holy Spirit more and more as our guide through the stewardship way of life.
The Catholic Steward