Living Stewardship can be hard. We think we’re doing all the right things, and often we are. We go to Mass most every week. We put something in the basket. We volunteer, and are members of the Knights of Columbus or Cursillo or some other group. But life is too hard. Something is not quite right. And then we read about a saint. We hear about someone we know at church who seems to just be able to do and give and do and give – way beyond what seems reasonable, way beyond what we think we can do. We want to do more. We want to trust God and detach from wanting more stuff. We want to try to give courageously. But it is easier said than done. Maybe we should stop trying. Maybe we should give up like Elijah tried to give up.
God knows this. God didn’t let Elijah quit, and He won’t let us quit either. He tells us like He told Elijah in 1 Kings 19: 5-8, “Get up and eat!” He looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat or the journey will be too much for you!” He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.
Thankfully, He gives us ample provisions for this journey of discipleship. We “get up and eat” when we go to Mass and hear the Word of God, hear the Gospel preached. We are fed by the Eucharist and find support in a community of like-minded believers. It is Mass and the Sacraments that strengthen us on this journey of stewardship.
We are not meant to journey alone. Jesus sent His disciples out two-by-two (Mark 6:7). So, plug in to your church community. Join a Bible study to help you grow deeper in your discipleship. Give and be a part of the mission of the church. There, in your church community, find the strength and courage to be a joyful, generous, and thankful steward.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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