Catherine Doherty said, “Yes, stewardship pertains to everything and I am responsible for my part of that everything.” I am reminded of that quote when I read the words from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, “Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” Both point to our own responsibility as a disciple, as well as the reality that we are not alone. We live with God in community. We each have our part to play in the kingdom of God.
Lent is an important time to focus on how our stewardship way of life causes us to sacrifice and, at times, experience hardship. If we find that we never seem to feel our sacrifice, then it is a good time to ask ourselves if we really are fully living as good stewards, cultivating what we have been given, and then offering it all back to God. If we only give from our excess, then we will never understand the meaning behind the words of St. Paul and Catherine Doherty.
This is why we must challenge ourselves. We must push ourselves to go that extra mile. It really is a way of exercising our stewardship muscles. So as this Lenten season is still in its first weeks, what can you attempt to do that really pushes you out of your comfort zone? Can you double or triple your prayer time during the season? Can you search your household and give to charity more than just things you don’t need anymore, but also things you still want? Is there someone to visit a few times before Easter than can no longer get out? Whatever it is, the strength will come from God to take greater care of your part of his everything.
Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS © Liturgical Publications Inc