Participation and Stewardship
Now this is family. Everyone is enjoying one another’s company. You can’t make this up. The Lord invited this parish family and “extended” parish family to gather as one body of Christ at one of our parish sponsored dinner celebrations. This is one of several ways to practice stewardship, even though we may not look at it like that. Stewardship is also about nurturing a sense of connectedness, because God has entrusted us with being our brother’s and sister’s keeper. Stewardship is caring about each other.
Collaboration
Stewardship is a way of life, meaning that we understand a life of caring as multi dimensional or as having many facets to it. This enriching way of life will need to be continually watered and nurtured, not only through a life of prayer but through interaction with others. A life of Stewardship is one where we are mindfully connected to our ultimate source in God, while realizing that no man is an island unto himself. We human beings express our love for God through our love for our neighbor. Thus, the principle of collaboration is a principle of holiness and sound character. Working together in groups on parish projects may be more time consuming, sometimes joyful and sometimes not, but the process tends to yield something more productive and permanent. A true steward understands the priceless value of active participation in as many parish sponsored projects as possible, for this active service is necessary in order to build up the Kingdom of God: “Seek first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Momentum
Just as wrongdoing gives permission for others to do wrongdoing, so a good deed gives permission for others to do a good deed. It may be just one moment in time, but a good deed has universal value that stretches far beyond anyone’s imagination. A good deed produces a ripple effect that moves the water in every direction like that of a stone thrown into the middle of a pond. Thus, positive participation breeds more participation from others. Any given moment can transfer into momentum, which in turn, becomes a movement. We should never underestimate a good deed done by ourselves or by another. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
