Today the Church Universal celebrates Epiphany Sunday, an occasion to recall with gratitude the Magi’s arrival in Bethlehem whereupon they gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. This pious act of homage has often been viewed as symbolizing the essence of Christian stewardship. What is Christian Stewardship?
“Christian stewardship is recognizing that everything we have, and everything we are, is a gift from God and, thus, being grateful and generous in response to that divine beneficence,” said Bishop Earl Boyea in his January 2024 Pastoral Letter on the topic.
“It is the wise and generous marshaling of our time, our talent and our treasure so as to love God more deeply, serve others more unstintingly and, in doing so, accrue an ever more abundant life unto ourselves (John 10:10).”
The gifts we can give to God are usually summed up in the threefold formula: time, talent, and treasure.
“Like the Magi, who gave without expecting anything in return, Christians are called by God to give selflessly, whether through financial contributions, acts of charity, or dedication to service,” says Craig Pohl, Director of New Evangelization for the Diocese of Lansing, January 5.
“On this great feast we can echo a simple prayer first said by the 16th century founder of the Society of Jesus, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, ‘Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost’.”
* To read Bishop Boyea's pastoral letter, click here.