Our
personal call to stewardship
by Wayne Pelzel
The gospels are filled with
stories of men and women who had a personal encounter with Jesus.... an encounter that changed their life forever.
We may not have recognized it, but God is offering us that same life changing
opportunity. At our baptism God calls us to something special and unique as we
find our place
in helping to bring about His kingdom.
This calling is an
opportunity that is unique for each one of us as it has to do with the time and
talent God bestowed
on us. Our uniqueness as individuals makes what we have to offer God's kingdom
unlike anything anyone else can offer. Our call from the Lord is very personal.
It is our call to stewardship...to give back some of the time, talent and treasure
He has so generously given us.
So what does being called by
Christ to be a steward really mean?
Well, the answer is two-fold. First, we must be able to recognize and
realize our personal and unique call.
Each call will likely be different.
To discern our call, we must renew our opportunities to experience Jesus
through the scriptures, the sacraments, prayer and service to others. Through
these faith opportunities we will over time experience a personal encounter
with Jesus that will make our calling clearer. Then, secondly, once the call is
understood, we must respond to that call by making the appropriate gifts of our
time, or our talents and gifts and even of our treasure.
For some, the call is going
to be an obvious "knock you off your horse" kind of experience. For others, that call is going to be much more subtle. That
is why it is so important that we give God the opportunity through prayer, the
sacraments, scripture and generous deeds for Him to reveal that calling. If one
rarely prays, doesn't attend Mass and partake of the sacraments, it may be very
difficult for that person to hear God's call for them.
Pope John Paul II said,
"We are a thought of God." In
God's thought is our special calling to be a part of building His Church. Each
and every one of us are called to join in the
effort. God is calling!
Wayne Pelzel is diocesan Director of Development and