You might cringe when you hear the Gospel story today because it is sad — this man was so close to becoming an active disciple of Jesus, but instead turned away. You also might cringe because it could apply to YOU!
If we look at our lives, we can most likely think of something that we tightly carry with us. Maybe it is possessions — material goods or money. Or maybe it is something less material — like status, pride or control. As we go through life, it can be hard not to cling tightly to things of the world.
But what will happen when we reach the gate of heaven? All of our “stuff” won’t fit!
Jesus doesn’t want our stuff — our job promotions, our designer house or our bank account. He just wants us. So, we need to be willing to strip those things from our lives in order to reach Him.
You have probably heard the phrase, “It’s not about you.” That’s a good motto for the Christian steward. Our lives are not about us. They are a gift to us from our loving God. And we are meant to make our lives a loving gift to Him in return. Living a stewardship way of life is a practical means of making our lives a gift to God and to those He places with us.
St. Pope Paul VI said that modern folks listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers. That is why I have asked some of our fellow parishioners to come and give their own witness to you today — about the difference that embracing stewardship as a way of life has made in their own lives. How it has helped them in the unique circumstances of their family, to make their lives a gift to God and to others. And the surprising purpose and peace that comes as a result of living this way.
Get ready to be inspired! Today we will hear the true story of a fellow parishioner who has embraced stewardship as a way of life and the difference it has made for them.
Is something holding you back from embracing this incredible way of life? Pray about it this week. Review the stewardship materials you received in the mail and take a step forward in faith. Remember to bring your Commitment Card to Mass next week!
Fr. Mark Zacker
Pastor
Didn't receive your 2024 Commitment Card in the mail? Complete it online HERE!
Puede que te estremezcas cuando escuches la historia del Evangelio de hoy porque es triste: este hombre estaba tan cerca de convertirse en un discípulo activo de Jesús, pero en lugar de eso se apartó. También podrías estremecerte porque ¡podría aplicarse a TI!
Si miramos nuestras vidas, lo más probable es que podamos pensar en algo que llevamos con nosotros. Tal vez sean posesiones - bienes materiales o dinero. O puede que sea algo menos material, como el estatus, el orgullo o el control. A medida que avanzamos por la vida, puede ser difícil no aferrarse fuertemente a las cosas del mundo.
Pero, ¿qué ocurrirá cuando lleguemos a la puerta del cielo? Todas nuestras "cosas" no cabrán.
Jesús no quiere nuestras cosas, ni nuestros ascensos laborales, ni nuestra casa, ni nuestro coche, ni nuestra cuenta bancaria. El solo nos quiere a nosotros. Por lo tanto, tenemos que estar dispuestos a despojarnos de esas cosas de nuestras vidas con el fin de llegar a Él.
Probablemente has escuchado la frase: "No se trata de ti". Ese es un buen lema para la corresponsabilidad cristiana. Nuestras vidas no son acerca de nosotros. Son un regalo de nuestro Dios amoroso. Y nosotros estamos destinados a hacer de nuestras vidas un regalo amoroso para Él a cambio. Vivir una vida de corresponsabilidad es un medio práctico de hacer de nuestras vidas un regalo para Dios y para aquellos que Él pone con nosotros.
¿Hay algo que te impide adoptar este increíble estilo de vida? Reza sobre esto esta semana. Revise los materiales de corresponsabilidad que recibió por correo o aquí en la iglesia y dé un paso adelante en la fe. Recuerda traer tu tarjeta de compromiso a misa la próxima semana.
Padre Mark Zacker
Párroco
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