By Bernie Hewitt, Director
Development Services

At first glance, stewardship may be dismissed as being “only about money.” “I gave to the parish collection, I’m a steward,” may be where we begin and end our thoughts and actions on stewardship. But stewardship is much more than placing an envelope in the basket. Stewardship is a way of life.

Three convictions are required to embrace this way of life. The first is a conscious decision to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost. The second is a change in the mind and heart that becomes a way of life. Each of us is at a different place on this journey. Our conversion is not completely expressed in one action or even a series of actions. The third conviction is that stewardship is an expression of discipleship. Disciples know they are caretakers of God’s many gifts.

Stewardship is not an easy way of life and requires daily effort to maintain. Jesus is the example of stewardship. His is the greatest gift of sacrificial love ever given and shared. The Lord came not to be served but to serve, so that no one should ever be lost. Jesus desires that all be returned to the glory of our Father. The Holy Spirit helps us by opening our hearts and minds to God’s will. As we accept his life within us, we follow his way as faithful stewards.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 24, No. 2, February 15, 2008.