Christian stewardship means that I own nothing. Everything I have belongs to God. He has loaned it to me. I am committed to use it responsibly, and one day, I will have to answer to Him for my use or misuse of His gifts. I am the manager of God’s gifts: my time, my talents, my possessions, my body, my soul – everything belongs to God. Saint Paul asks us, “What have you that you have not received?” Money, for example, becomes a sacrament when it is offered to God.

It becomes a visible expression of our commitment, faith, and love for Jesus. Once given to God, our gifts are consecrated by the Holy Spirit, who then translates them into works of mercy that bring glory to God.

 

- Father Anthony M. Coniaris (1926-2020)