"Brothers and sisters, consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work." (2 Corinthians 9: 6-8)

Dear Brothers and Sisters In Christ,

Do these words disturb you? As you look around you and think about your circumstances and today’s economy do you believe that living as a "cheerful giver" is not only imprudent but somewhat impossible at this time? The invitation by God to live as a "cheerful giver" does challenge us, BUT can truly be approached without fear as long as your understanding of gratitude and abundance is correct and truly Christian. A lifestyle of Christian stewardship is at the heart of our faith as Catholics and is the model that our parish community is required to live under if we are to reflect what Jesus Christ teaches.

As a Christian community we are reminded about Stewardship, and its meaning for us as followers of Jesus Christ. As this year begins the same challenges are with us to be not only good stewards but the best stewards of God’s blessings. Learning to be a cheerful giver is at the heart of this spiritual teaching since it models the giving which God offers through his incarnate son, Jesus Christ: total, unreservedly, and without preconditions.

The journey we walk is full of wonderful possibilities, even as the devil sows potholes on the road to see if we will stumble, fall and then mistrust our God. I pray that as we discuss and reflect on our call to being the best stewards of our gifts the Holy Spirit may fill you with courage and faith.

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,