The Catholic Steward Blog

Stewardship Reflection on the Lectionary Readings: July 26, 2026

July 26, 2026 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 KGS 3:5, 7-12; PS 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130; ROM 8:28-30; MT 13:44-52 OR 13:44-46 The stewardship way of life could be described as a daily pursuit of the Kingdom of Heaven. Today’s readings remind us of the importance of recognizing that Kingdom in our midst and ordering our lives around what truly matters. In our first reading from the First Book of Kings, God appears to Solomon in a dream and invites him to ask for whatever he desires. Rather than requesting riches, power, or long life, Solomon asks for “an … Read more

Building a Stewardship Culture That Lasts at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Palm Coast, Fla.

When Fr. Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, CMI, attended the Msgr. McGread Stewardship Conference in Wichita several years ago, he returned to Palm Coast with a clear conviction. He wanted stewardship to become more than an annual initiative. He wanted it to become part of the identity of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. Like many parishes emerging from the pandemic, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was working to reconnect parishioners, rebuild participation, and foster a renewed sense of community. Fr. Jose believed stewardship could provide the foundation for a stronger, more unified parish. To help bring that vision to life, he partnered with Catholic … Read more

Stewardship Reflection on the Lectionary Readings: July 19, 2026

July 19, 2026 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time WIS 12:13, 16-19; PS 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; ROM 8:26-27; MT 13:24-43 OR 13:24-30 Today’s readings offer both encouragement and challenge for the Christian steward. They remind us of God’s justice and mercy, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the often hidden yet powerful growth of God’s Kingdom. Our first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that God is both all-powerful and infinitely merciful. “Though you are master of might, you judge with clemency.” God’s justice is perfect because it is always joined to His love. As Christian stewards, this … Read more

From Stewardship Committee Member to Pastor: Fr. Larry Denis Leads a Culture of Stewardship at St. Anthony of Padua in Hawaii

  For Fr. Larry Denis, stewardship is not simply a parish initiative. It is a way of life that has shaped his own faith journey for nearly two decades. Long before entering the seminary, Fr. Larry spent fifteen years as a school teacher and served on the Stewardship Committee at Annunciation Catholic Church on the Big Island of Hawaii. Like many parish leaders, he wanted to help parishioners become more engaged in the life and mission of the Church. In 2016, he attended the Msgr. McGread Stewardship Conference in Wichita with fellow parish leaders. The experience challenged him to think … Read more

Stewardship Reflection on the Lectionary Readings: July 12, 2026

July 12, 2026 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time IS 55:10-11; PS 65:10-14; ROM 8:18-23; MT 13:1-23 OR 13:1-9 Today’s readings are filled with images that illuminate the stewardship way of life, demonstrating the gradual yet powerful effect this lifestyle has on those who fully embrace it. In our first reading from Isaiah, the Lord speaks of the gentle but unstoppable power of His Word, comparing it to the rain and snow that water the earth, “making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats.” God reminds us that His Word … Read more

Stewardship Reflection on the Lectionary Readings: July 5, 2026

July 5, 2026 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ZEC 9:9-10; PS 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14; ROM 8:9, 11-13; MT 11:25-30 The theme of humility is central to our readings today. God Himself is a humble God, so if we wish to follow Him as Christian stewards, we too, must be humble. In fact, humility is key to the stewardship way of life, and to a peaceful and fulfilling life. Our first reading from Zechariah foretells the unexpected way in which the Lord, the Savior of the world, will arrive. “See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is he, … Read more

Stewardship Reflection on the Lectionary Readings: June 28, 2026

June 28, 2026 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 KGS 4:8-11, 14-16A; PS 89:2-3, 16-19; ROM 6:3-4, 8-11; MT 10:37-42 Today’s readings take us back to some basics of stewardship living. The First Reading shows us the necessity and power of hospitality. The Second Reading reminds us what it is that makes us disciples and Christian stewards in the first place (hint: it’s our Baptism). Finally, in today’s Gospel, Christ teaches us how to live daily life as His stewards. Our First Reading, from 2 Kings, tells the story of a woman who showed loving hospitality to a visitor, inviting … Read more

Stewardship Reflection on the Lectionary Readings: June 21, 2026

June 21, 2026 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time JER 20:10-13; PS 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35; ROM 5:12-15; MT 10:26-33 Today’s readings call us to tackle the challenging issues of fear and trust — two concepts on opposite sides of the same coin. They must be confronted and dealt with by all of us who wish to live the stewardship way of life. In our first reading, from Jeremiah, the prophet expresses sentiments we have all felt at some point in our lives, when he says, “I hear the whispering of many: ‘Terror on every side!’” Perhaps this “whispering” comes from … Read more

Stewardship Reflection on the Lectionary Readings: June 14, 2026

June 14, 2026 Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Ex 19:2-6a; Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5; Rom 5:6-11; Mk 1:15; Mt 9:36-10:8 As Catholics, we are called to live lives of stewardship and discipleship, recognizing that our faith is not just a set of beliefs, but a way of life. The readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time provide us with profound insights into these essential aspects of our Christian journey. Let us reflect on the messages contained within these readings and consider how they relate to our role as stewards and disciples. In the first reading from Exodus, we witness … Read more

Stewardship Reflection on the Lectionary Readings: June 7, 2026

June 7, 2026 The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ GN 14:18-20; PS 110:1, 2, 3, 4; 1 COR 11:23-26; LK 9:11b-17 Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ — a feast centered on one of the greatest gifts we have received, the Eucharist. As Christian stewards, we recognize that all we are and all we have come from God. Among His greatest gifts is His own Son, given to us in the Eucharist as true spiritual nourishment. In our Gospel, we hear the account of the multiplication of … Read more