August 8, 2010 —Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12; Luke 12:32-48 or 12:35-40 Once again Jesus shocked his hearers, and he continues to shock us today: “Sell your belongings and give alms.” That sounds reckless and goes against all we have heard about financial planning. But […]
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings – August 1, 2010
August 1, 2010 — Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23; Psalm 90; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21 How could Jesus say what’s reported in the reading from chapter 12 of St. Luke’s Gospel? It sounds like he’s attacking a major foundation of society. “Though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist […]
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings – July 25, 2010
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:12-14; Luke 11:1-13 Effective stewardship in a parish is the result of many factors. There are many people who think they’ll have success if they can just find the right combination of tools and techniques, and so they’re always searching for the latest novelty in […]
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings – July 18, 2010
July 18, 2010 — Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42 The Old Testament reading from Genesis and the Gospel reading from Luke bring out one of the great themes of stewardship – hospitality. What does this have to do with stewardship? Stewardship includes sharing with others the gifts […]
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings – July 11, 2010
July 11, 2010 – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Psalm 69; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37 The portion of St. Luke’s Gospel we read in 10:25-37 contains one of the most familiar of all parables, that of the Good Samaritan. We all know the story Jesus told: a traveler is mugged, beaten and robbed […]
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings – July 4, 2010
July 4, 2010 – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 66:10-14c; Psalm 66; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12,17-20 or Luke 10:1-9 The teaching Jesus gives in Luke 10 can provide a serious challenge to even the most vocal advocate of Christian stewardship. Jesus tells not just to believe that God loves us and provides what we […]
Stewardship Reflections on Lectionary Readings – June 27, 2010
June 27, 2010 – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 19:16b,19-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1,13-18; Luke 9:51-62 Jesus’ preaching kindled a reaction from those who heard him. He summoned his hearers to follow him into the kingdom of God, and his call demanded an immediate and total response. Jesus’ strong and attractive personality caused […]
