A wealthy parishioner who had never given any money to support his parish was approached by the chairman of the stewardship commission for help with extensive roof repairs. “Sir,” he said, “Our records show that you are a millionaire but have never helped your parish. We really need a new roof. Can you help us out?”
The man said, “Obviously your records make no note of my dying 95 year old mother and her large medical expenses, or my blind unemployed brother, or my poor sister who was abandoned by her husband, leaving her with five kids to feed.” The stunned chairman replied, “I am so sorry, I had no idea.” The rich man replied, “So, if I don’t give any money to them, why should I give any money to the parish?”
I doubt any one in the parish fits the description of that miser for our parishioners, by and large, are generous. Yet the truth is, we all have much to learn regarding stewardship. Many still think it is only about money, but not so. Stewardship is about our attitude toward God. The statistics that I have read over the years show that while Catholics make up the wealthiest religious denomination in our country, they give almost the least to their parishes. There are all kinds of theories and you may even have some thoughts of your own on the matter. For some, it is consumerism, for others, it is their way of protesting certain Church policies, and yet others feel no sense of ownership.
Whatever the personal reason may be, I think the rock bottom reason for Catholic stinginess is basically a religious one: unlike the Mormons or certain other Protestant denominations, we lack a religious tradition of stewardship. We lack a sense of that tradition that sees giving as a natural and basic responsibility of faith. The widow in the gospel was moved by that tradition to give what she had but that notion seems so foreign to many of us Catholics. How many plan stewardship into their budgets?
We live in a world where we are being constantly asked to give: to the church, community funds, religious orders, schools, libraries, food banks, public television, and charities of every kind. Hardly a day goes by that some plea comes in the mail. When we venture through Seattle, we see pan handlers seeking hand outs. Some of us do budget while the rest of us give of our loose change as the scribes did when they came into the temple.
Perhaps you have heard the saying, “It’s the thought that counts, it’s the self giving in the gift which expresses love.” That is the point Jesus is making in this story. What makes the widow’s gift valued is the heart and sacrifice behind it, not the amount. She was able to say, “That’s the best I can do for that is all I have.”
Jesus is speaking here on the cost of discipleship: generosity of the spirit, not money, for we all have something more than money to offer God. God wants our hearts, not our possessions. Learning to give generously to God is a difficult lesson to master and yet one cannot truly follow Christ without such self denial.
What holds many of back is our reluctance to trust in God, which is the lesson both widows teach us today. They were willing to share what little they had while trusting that God would see them through. They didn’t worry about the future but lived in that present moment and gave their all with confidence and serenity.
They also show true generosity. What about us? Do we have a heart that gives generously in whatever way we can? Or do we give out of a sense of obligation, if at all? Somewhere I read that only one in five Catholics across the country give support to their parish or their diocese. That fits in with the so called Bell Curve theory, that 20% get engaged in some way while 80% don’t.
Every journey begins with a step. For those who have not yet journeyed down the path of stewardship, I urge you to take your first step today. In my letter last week, I asked every family to prayerfully consider making a pledge of $5 or more per week over what you pledged last year. For those who haven’t made a pledge before, can you pledge to support your parish with a donation of $5 per week? For those who pledged last year, can you increase your weekly pledge? Thank you for your pledge.
If every family becomes engaged in supporting our parish with their treasure, time, and talent, our faith community will bring Christ to South Whidbey in ways we have yet to imagine. You received three cards with my letter. The “stewardship of time” is for you to keep as a record of how you are giving back to God a share of your time to deepen your relationship with Christ. As you can see, some suggestions are provided. Place the card in a prominent place as a reminder to deepen your faith daily.
The other two cards we ask you to return so that we know how you are engaging yourself with the rest of us with your talent and treasure. Our parish thrives because many volunteer their time, but we never have too many volunteers. Can you spare an hour of your time to be engaged in some way? Join those who have because your talent will make a difference. I ask that all volunteers complete this card to update our records.
Last, but not least, is your stewardship of treasure card. Take a step, as I already suggested. Begin or continue your journey of stewardship by making a pledge. If the widow could give two coins, so can we. Keep in mind that you are not bound by your pledge. If your circumstances change, so too can your pledge, Making a pledge enables us to project our income, and thus plan ahead. If you prefer the simplified giving approach, please update your information that it is current. Come and take a step with the widows and me and be engaged with your parish.