Several years ago I saw a picture of a veteran’s tombstone that caught my attention. He died in action in Vietnam on my 18th birthday. A young man, not much older than I, sacrificed his life that day so that I could continue to celebrate mine.
This weekend countless flags flutter in cemeteries across our country in remembrance of the many men and women who served our nation in time of war and peace. Some died on duty and many were wounded but they all had one thing in common; they sacrificed something so that we could have the freedom to gather here and celebrate the ultimate sacrifice, namely, what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Sacrifice is the message in these readings as well. First, we encounter a widow with a child, giving what little wheat and oil she has to Elijah. She expected to die soon but instead she is rewarded for trusting that God would provide for her needs. Then there is the widow who dropped two coins, all that she had, into the temple collection. That wasn’t much, but her generosity, according to Jesus, surpassed that of the Pharisees. She committed herself to God’s mercy in quietly with total giving of herself.
Just as many of our citizens fail to appreciate the meaning behind Veterans’ Day, many Christians don’t fully appreciate the value of sacrifice either or what it means to our faith. In all walks of life, there are those who are committed to what they believe in and those who are not. Look through the gospel and you will find scenarios where Jesus had little regard for those who were lukewarm in their convictions. He cautioned his followers that entering his kingdom required full-hearted conversion to a new way of life. Stewardship is one way to show how full hearted we are with our faith.
Jesus wants us to turn our lives up side down, to have a complete change of heart. This is vital for understanding the value of stewardship in our lives and on our faith.
Last week, we heard about David from Enumclaw, a sailor on leave. Remember him? Much to the surprise of his friends, he placed all that he had won at a horserace in the collection basket. When asked why he did that, he said that it made him feel good. He had a point there. Happiness goes hand in hand with being passionate.
When you want to be happy, “Give it all you’ve got.” In his book, Who Moved My Cheese?, Spencer Johnson observes that when we are clear about what we want to see happen and pursue that goal with passion, it will happen. Being half-hearted denies us the opportunity to experience the good that God promises us for our efforts. That was what I recall David telling us.
As a way of life, stewardship challenges us to examine how well do we share what God has given us; our treasures, our time, and our talents with the parish and with those in need.
Last week, I asked you to make a conscious commitment of at least two hours a week to prayer and service, beginning with participating at weekly Mass. If we are going to be passionate about our faith, that would be a good starting point. God gives us 168 hours each week. Is it asking too much to give two hours of that time back to God? Many of us do that and more by reading scripture, praying alone and with others, helping out as a volunteer in the community or in our parish. On the green trimmed card you received in the mail you can find other ideas that may better fit your needs.
If you have made a commitment to stewardship of time, you have done the hard part as time means so much to us. Stewardship of treasure should be easy.
Nonetheless, talking about money isn’t an easy thing to do. I know some families are hard pressed to give because, like the widow, they are often stretched to the limit by their bills and debts.
But I also believe that something amazing happens when we recognize that we owe God a share of what we have because God gives it all, then calls us to share. When we give the first portion of what we have back to God, things start to change. I have heard of people who have tithed their way out of debt. They set aside the first ten percent for God and the rest fell into place.
I am not asking you to tithe but I am asking you to recognize that God gives it all and then decide what you are willing to give back by supporting your parish. For some, that will be five percent, for others, more, for others, less. That is between you and God, but by filling out a tan card and letting me know of your commitment, you enable us to form a more realistic budget for our parish and your giving would then be planned, deliberate, conscious and sacrificial.
As you make your decision, looking over the chart on the tan card, think of the widow in today’s gospel. Instead of following the example of the Pharisees, who gave their loose change, consider making a gift that hurts. Use the chart to discern what percent you gave last year and see if you can increase your giving by another percent or more. Keep in mind that you are not bound by the pledge you make. If your circumstances change, so too can your pledge.
Notice also on the card, a provision for simplified giving. If you are interested in electronic funds transfer from either your checking or savings account, check the box. We will explore that option with our bank and get in touch with you when we have made the arrangements.