Fr. Marvin’s Reflection - September 29, 2024
In the following weeks I would like to invite you to reflect upon the importance and purpose of tithing and stewardship in our lives as Catholics. These are not merely financial obligations, but deeply spiritual practices rooted in our call to live as disciples of Christ.
First, let us consider tithing. In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to offer a tenth of their goods as a sign of thanksgiving and devotion (Leviticus 27:30). It was a reminder that everything belongs to God and that He is the ultimate provider. Tithing is not about giving from what is left over, but offering the first fruits of our labor to honor God. In our context today, it serves as a way of acknowledging that we are not the true owners of what we possess, but stewards of God’s gifts.
When we tithe, we do more than contribute to the upkeep of St. Pius X church or support its ministries. We are making a profound act of trust in God. We declare that we rely on Him, not on material wealth, for our security. It is an act of faith, trusting that God will provide for our needs when we prioritize His kingdom first. As Jesus said in the Gospel, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).
But tithing is just one aspect of a larger call to stewardship. Stewardship is a way of life. It is the recognition that all that we are and all that we have—our time, talents, and treasures—are gifts from God entrusted to us for a purpose. The purpose is not for our selfish gain, but to glorify God and to serve others.
Stewardship is not just about how much we give, but how we live. It is about embracing a spirit of generosity and love for others. When we share our time and talents, we allow God to work through us. When we give from our financial resources, we help build the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel, serve the poor, and provide for the needs of the community. In this way, we actively participate in God’s plan of salvation.
But stewardship also challenges us to confront our attachment to material things. In a culture that promotes consumerism and individualism, the call to stewardship reminds us that we are made for something greater than the accumulation of wealth. Jesus tells us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). When we give freely and generously, we free ourselves from the grip of materialism and draw closer to the heart of God.
My dear friends, tithing and stewardship are not burdens but blessings. They are ways to grow in holiness, to trust in God more fully, and to contribute to His work on earth. They call us to live lives of generosity, to be aware of the needs around us, and to share what we have for the good of others.
As we go forth today, let us remember that we are stewards of God’s gifts. May we always strive to use our time, talents, and treasures wisely, trusting that what we give to God will return to us a hundredfold.
In Christ,
Fr. Marvin
