The Source of All Good Things

...is God. That's why, in addition to praising and honoring God for who He is, we also thank Him for His goodness, mercy, grace, and blessings on us.

But according to Jesus Christ, giving thanks is not enough. Consider what Jesus says in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25):

For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents... He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more... Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more... His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master."

And remember how things turned out for the servant who had received one talent? He...

...came forward saying... "I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours." But his master answered him, "You wicked and slothful servant!...[Y]ou ought to have invested my money with the banks, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest... [C]ast the worthless servant into the outer darkness."

It's clear, then, that we are to gratefully accept what we have received from God (which is everything) and then do everything in our power to make it fruitful in returning it to Him.

Wise Investments

This concept - of gratitude, responsible handling, and returning all things to God - is captured in the word stewardship. The natural result of living with a stewardship mentality is what we at St. Bart's call Joyful Living; and it touches every aspect of our lives:

• how we use our time
• how we perceive and live out our vows of matrimony 
• how we use our talents
• how we treat our family members, co-workers, strangers, and enemies
• how we raise our children
• how we do our work
• how we handle our personal finances and charitable contributions
• how we care for our physical bodies
• how we engage with our parish community
• how we put ourselves at the service of Christ's Church and her mission

God's Word and Church offer us guidance in all of these areas and more!

So if God, like the master in Matthew 25, were to ask us what we did in each of these areas with what He gave us... How would we respond? Would he be pleased with our choices and efforts?

We're Here to Help!

Want to be a better steward of your FAITH?

• Review the programs and groups we have for spiritual growth
• Check out Catholicism 101
• Check out Useful Resources

Want to be a better steward of your TIME &TALENTS and get more involved at Bart's?

• Consider participation in our Caring Outreach
• Consider Serving Children & Families
• Consider Serving within the Context of the Mass
• Consider Serving Behind-the-Scenes at St. Bartholomew
• Consider Serving in the Broader Community

Want to be a better steward of your CHARITABLE GIVING?

• Consider using Online Giving to establish consistency
• Consider being part of The Bartholomew Society

Feeling that there are other areas where you need to be a better steward?

• Let us know! We might be able to suggest some resources for you. Your interest might even lead to a new program or group being formed that can help others.