Wednesday, February 21, 2018

How Much Do I Give to My Church?

I receive daily Lenten Reflections  that are based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  The most recent one referred me to paragraph 357 of the Catechism.  It comes from the Profession of Faith part of the Catechism under the section "In the Image of God."

Reflecting on us as human individuals, rather than a thing, or a creature that is not human, the Catechism speaks of our dignity and our capacity for "self-knowledge" and "self-possession" and our ability to give of ourselves freely as we enter into communion with others.

But what struck me was the summary sentence of this paragraph that pointed out that through grace from God, we alone are able to offer a "response of faith and love" to God "that no other creature can give in his stead."

We are it.  We are the ones, created by God, that can give a return of faith and love to God.  The Catechism goes on to say in paragraph 358 that "man in turn was created to serve and love God and to offer all creation back to him . . . ."

Too often, I think, we focus on ourselves.  Our life is about us, right?

But what if, reflecting more deeply on these words from the Catechism, we shifted our gaze away from ourselves and looked outward, and focused on what we can return to the Father?

Whenever a conversation about church finances comes up, I tend to preach about tithing (whatever percentage you choose) as an act of stewardship, where, in thanksgiving, we return back to God's church, the first fruits of whatever we receive.

A stewardship mindset is an attitude.  Whatever the amount we set aside, we know that it will go to help the church continue the good work begun in our Lord.  While we may not be itinerant apostles moving from town to town, we can still acknowledge--in fact there is no getting around the fact--that it takes monetary support to provide for others today (not to mention to keep the lights on.)

St. Paul in his letters acknowledges the need (and joy) of giving (2 Corinthians, Chapter 8), and indicates the support needed for the wider church in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians, Chapter 16).

We find gospel references about the disciples being sent out without a money bag, sack and sandals (Luke 10:1+) but they did depend on the generosity of those they encountered to supply what they needed.

Our churches depend on our generosity, and our own giving should come from an awareness of their needs and a desire to return to God in thanksgiving for all he has given.

Remember, we are the ONLY creatures in this entire world that can do that!

God bless,
Janet





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