Today we begin a time of reflection as we prepare to renew our financial support of our dynamic parish with our many ministries and programs. The Eucharistic Liturgy this Sunday helps to set the context for us. In the gospel Jesus asks us to give to God what belongs to God. We belong to God who created us and redeemed us and sanctifies us. And in the end, everything we have can be traced to God’s providence and care for us. Giving a portion of our financial resources to the parish is a way of giving back to God what in the end belongs to God.
St. Paul speaks of our “work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Faith, hope, and love are what we call the theological virtues. By demonstrating these virtues in our daily living we witness to the divine presence within us and among us. In the spirit of faith and hope we discern how we will support our parish. Our actual contributions are a labor of love, freely given for the glory of God and benefit of the whole parish.
How can you trace everything you have to the great Source and Giver of all? How will you demonstrate your faith, hope, and love?