Springing Into Stewardship

“Ask the LORD for rain in the spring season, the LORD who brings storm clouds, and heavy rains, who gives to everyone grain in the fields.” Zechariah 10:1

Finally, it seems that the cold snaps are beginning to melt away.  The first official day of spring isn’t until March 20, but signs of rebirth and renewal are already beginning to make themselves known here in Florida.  Spring will soon arrive (even for those of you up North!!)

The spring cycle of rebirth mimics the path of many other events in our lives.  As it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1, for everything there is “a time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.”  You may have found your stewardship efforts reaching their “winter” in recent times.  Perhaps you got a little too caught up in holiday gift giving this season and are trying to play catch-up with your credit cards.  Maybe the cloudy, chilly weather led you to indulge in a little “shopping therapy.”  Maybe your New Year’s Resolution to finally get on a budget has disappeared. Whatever the reason may be, you may find that you’re a little off track with your Catholic money management plan.

It may be easy to become disheartened; however, God understands the process of rebirth and renewal. It is no coincidence that Easter falls in the springtime.  On the most important Holy Day of the Christian year, we celebrate Jesus’ conquering of death. Through his victory, he has given us the tools to conquer our own shortcomings and renew our promises of stewardship.

Catholic money management involves managing your finances as a steward by spending thoughtfully, consciously and prayerfully. It also involves conquering temptation and the urge to spend recklessly as the advertisers push us to do. Make the effort this spring season to follow Jesus’ example and break free of the “tomb” created by irresponsible spending.

There is a time for everything.  Spring is the perfect time to renew your commitment to Christian Stewardship.