Joppa Stewardship Leaders
Bulletin Stewardship Reflections for February 5th to February 26th, 2017
February 5th – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Let your light shine before human beings”
We know that St. Paul was knowledgeable, in fact he was an expert in the law, a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. (Acts 23:6) Yet, we hear in today’s second reading that he preached, not with lofty words and wisdom, he kept his proclaiming simple – “Christ, and him crucified”. This simple proclaiming is good news for us as we strive to share the gift of faith that we have received with those who don’t know Christ. We can let our light shine through simple words and deeds, praise God! Being a light to others begins with acknowledging God as the very source of our lives, our words, our understanding and skills. This humble disposition creates room in our hearts, and minds, for our words and actions to be entirely inspired by the Holy Spirit, and in this way, we are good stewards of the mysteries of God.
Copyright © 2017, by Joseph Daniel Potvin, Joppa Stewardship Leaders, Ottawa
February 12th – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“To act faithfully is a matter of your own choice”
In baptism each of us are called to be disciples of Christ, it is not only for a select few, we are all called to this common vocation. How we respond to this call is our choice. Stewardship, as a way of life, naturally flows out of mature discipleship. However, it still is required that a person chooses to live the stewardship way. Christian stewards choose to live differently, and give differently, and as a result experience the fullness of life that Jesus came to give us. (John 10:10) Every day we are bombarded with images in the advertising media which are all intended to influence our choices and, as a consequence, our lives. Between the images and the consequences is choice. Good stewards choose wisely.
Copyright © 2017, by Joseph Daniel Potvin, Joppa Stewardship Leaders, Ottawa
February 19th – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself”
Jesus sets out a standard of love for us in today’s gospel that sets the bar very high indeed, encouraging us to give to everyone who begs from you and love your enemies! How are we to live up to such high expectations? It helps to pray for the grace to always, and in every circumstance, be grateful to God. We can’t outdo God in giving and loving, still, Jesus calls us to do our best. God has blessed us with many gifts, and gratitude to God inspires our best because gratitude gives us the confidence and desire to love and give, joyfully and generously.
Copyright © 2017, by Joseph Daniel Potvin, Joppa Stewardship Leaders, Ottawa
February 26th – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“You cannot serve God and wealth”
When we put our trust only in the at-risk things of this world, like our bank accounts, or investments, we are extremely vulnerable to worry. Money can master us if we neglect to remember that God’s care for us is beyond any worldly financial limits. In today’s Gospel Jesus places before us a bit of a dilemma. God should be at the center of our lives, yet, we still need money, so how do we deal with this dilemma? The answer is to have our faith and our finances working together, by seeking first God’s Kingdom, putting God first in how we share, save and spend our wealth, and then Trusting God. Living this way frees us from worrying. Trusting in God’s providence is also one way we strengthen our relationship with Him – “all these things will be given to you as well”. (Matthew 6:3)
Copyright © 2017, by Joseph Daniel Potvin, Joppa Stewardship Leaders, Ottawa
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