Are you rich? Please
pray with me that we may all grow richer in our faith, realizing that God does
not measure us by what we possess but rather by what we do for one another. Christian stewards strive to be “rich in
faith” by consciously choosing to make room for God in their daily lives no
matter what the cost.
“Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be
rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love
him?” (James 2:5)
What is more important – being rich in faith or rich in
possessions? Society teaches us that possessions are most
important. God teaches a different lesson. When we are rich in
faith we know that material things really do not matter and we are more willing
to share what we have.
St. James teaches that those who are poor in the eyes of society
are the ones who have been chosen to inherit the Kingdom of God. Indeed, we are saved because of our poverty;
we are redeemed out of our need; not because of our material wealth or
achievements that the world finds praiseworthy. St. James also suggests that we are stewards
of others, especially the poor; and it is how we respond to the poor and needy
that will define our relationship with the Lord. How do we respond to the less
fortunate right within our own parish?
Furthermore, the good steward must not show favoritism
toward those who are materially wealthy..
The rich may have many material gifts to
share, but once again St. James reminds
us that God has chosen the world’s poor to be rich in faith and inheritors of
God’s kingdom.
St. James also speaks to us today about hospitality. To be a good steward of our community means
that we help one another to feel welcome. The gift we encounter in each person calls us
to hold everyone in high esteem. Christian
hospitality is so much more than planned hospitality, like coffee Sundays and
greeters. To live as a Disciple of Jesus
is to enter into a daily disposition of hospitality. Try practicing hospitality at work, at home
and especially in the Church on Sunday.
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