I still remember the day when Father Tom Dore asked his two associates (myself and Father Tom Bishop) to practice “Stewardship” with him. He told us, “Think of what an example we could give to the parishioners. If we really believe in this, then they will, too.” I remember because my face fell. I had always given money to the parish on Sunday. I wasn’t one of those priests who pretended that “giving my life to God’ meant that I should not also contribute to the collection. But Stewardship? And Father Dore was talking about 10%. I was a “poor associate” after all. There wasn’t a lot of money in my pocket to begin with, so giving more of it away was not my idea.
Thankfully, Father Bishop’s face fell too. So, we decided to try 5% at the beginning and we would “work our way up from there” once we felt comfortable that this would not hurt us. In a way, I really did not believe in Stewardship when I began practicing it because I wanted others to do it, but was afraid of practicing Stewardship in my own life. And so, we began, trembling and praying that what we were preaching was true for us and not just words for others to hear. It worked. Little by little, my practice of Stewardship grew. It grew more quickly when I became pastor of a poor parish on Chicago’s West Side. I knew then all too well the needs of the parish and I knew that I could give more than I was giving. I stopped looking at the percentage of my income to give because I was concerned about the needs of the parish. At first, I gave once a month because I was paid once a month. But then, I realized we needed the money every week, so I gave some every week and it was a lot more than I had been giving monthly. Every time I increased my giving, I did not feel poorer. Rather, I was more content and felt a deeper relationship with God.
There were lots of times that I prayed as I gave my offering, wondering if I could still pay my bills. Somehow, I always did. A surprise gift would appear or a bill waited for another month before arriving. Sometimes, I got an unexpected discount. You might think, “the benefits of being a priest” but I know I have never used my priesthood as a way of getting discounts or favors from parishioners or other people. I knew, God was helping me along because I trusted Him, and at times, begged for His help even as I practiced Stewardship.
There were other perks as well. I found it easier to preach the Gospel. New insights from the readings poured forth as I looked at the page. Sometimes, I felt so connected to the Scriptures that I did not know what to pick out and speak about. Do you ever wonder why I say so many passages of Scripture are among my favorites? Stewardship has given me a love for all of God’s Word.
What does Stewardship have to do with Pro-Life Month? Everything. The first and most important gift we receive from God is the gift of Life. Life is our greatest treasure. But life by itself in itself does not elicit joy at all times. Girls who become pregnant are more often fearful of their future than joyful. Young men living in poverty are more prone to become angry rather than rejoice in the gift of Life. Refugees, the sick, the hurting heart, lost loves are some of the many ways that the gift of Life loses its luster. Mostly, riches and our desires leave us wanting for more instead of feeling satisfied with what we have. Stewardship is reflecting upon our many blessings and trusting that we can give them back to God while losing nothing of what we have been given. I know it sounds crazy, but it is true!
Peace,
Fr Nick