Good Stewardship

Readings for Friday March 5, 2010

First Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46


Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet. (Mt 21:43,45-46)

In today's gospel reading, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants. In this parable we read about tenants who chose to abuse the responsibilities and the gifts that were entrusted in their care. They also chose to abuse anyone who would come along and try to set things right, even the owners own son. Needless to say that these guys made their bed, and were then going to have to lie in it.

One of the things that this parable is about is stewardship. Stewardship is essentially using the gifts given to us by God responsibly. According to the US Bishops, Catholic Stewardship also involves us: "Receiving the gifts of God with gratitude, Cultivating them responsibly, Sharing them lovingly in justice with others, Standing before the Lord in a spirit of accountability." (http://www.usccb.org/bishops/stewardship.shtml) Each of us has this awesome call to be good stewards of the the many gifts that God has given us. It is important that we not abuse these things or let them go unused. Each of us has these great gifts for a reason, and God has a purpose for each of us and our gifts.

Let us take a lesson today from the wicked tenants, and instead of abusing our gifts; let us practice good stewardship and allow our lives to be fruitful ... as they are meant to be.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for all that you have given to us, help us to be good stewards of all that is entrusted to us. We pray for all of our priests and all of our religious, may they be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.