Ordinary Time, 27th Sunday (B) This weekend we kickoff our annual parish Stewardship Renewal. We ask every parishioner of the Antigo Area Catholic Churches to make at least one commitment each in the areas of Time, Talent, and Treasure. It's always good to re-evaluate our commitments.

What can our scripture readings teach us about stewardship? Adam names the animals. He is practicing on creation so he can be ready for a bigger stewardship. God gives him the gift of Eve, his equal but whom he also names. Marriage is a shared stewardship. The two become "one flesh", sharing everything with one another, and together exercise a stewardship of God's children. Parents desire to bring their children to Jesus so he can bless them.

In standing up for marriage, God is standing up for the children. We know that many marriages to do not reflect the beauty of God's plans. God himself meets us in the midst of our struggles. Jesus came into this world and suffers with us and for us. Just as Jesus was "perfected" by his sufferings, so we become perfected in the fight with our own selfishness. Let God be the master, and be content to be his servant. Even when we are unfaithful, the Lord is faithful!

Struggles are an opportunity to grow closer to God and to one another. Marriage is a gift that is meant to be given away; it is a blessing that is meant to bless others. Our stewardship renewal is an opportunity to once again take stock of our blessings. The greatest gift God gives us is not material or spiritual blessings but the gift of one another and the gift of Himself. How blessed we are!

(6 Oct 2024)

Going Deeper: Review your stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure, and your attitude towards other human beings in your life.

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