December 14, 2014 – Third Sunday of Advent
Is 61: 1-2A, 10-11; Lk 1: 46-50, 53-54; Thes 5: 16-24; Jn 1: 6-8, 19-28
In his letter to the Thessalonians, our second reading for this, the Third Sunday of Advent, St. Paul gives us a summary of what it means to be a good steward: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.” That may seem simplistic, admittedly difficult, but those are indeed at the heart of a stewardship way of life.
It is worth noting as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child that stewardship is both a happy and positive way of living. It is happy because good stewards, through focusing on gratitude, view life in an upbeat and encouraging way. As a result they are not blessed because they are stewards, but they are exceedingly happy because they view all as gift and all with gratefulness.
Paul goes on to say that it is God’s will that we live like this. That does not mean that it is a mandate or an order from the Lord — He granted each of us free will. Nevertheless, because it is God’s will, rather than we must do it, we are able to do it with God’s help. During this Advent season, as Christmas approaches, is the perfect time for us to commit to lives of stewardship. By turning to God and trusting in the Lord, we can achieve this.
