Among my New Year’s resolutions is to more fully promote and embody stewardship as a way of life. The idea of stewardship is to be aware and appreciative of the blessings in our lives. The blessings I’m thinking of include my family, friends, the Saint Ambrose community, my dog, Sweetheart, the created world, my education, and the many other things that make my life rich. The more I appreciate them the more I realize I have to be a caretaker (or steward) of them. I am humbled by and appreciative of the many people who also love Saint Ambrose Parish and School and maintain a strong commitment to care for the community. As we begin a new year, I want to mark the occasion by thanking all of you who are good stewards of Saint Ambrose Parish.
My understanding of what it means to be a good steward comes from the Scriptures. There are countless examples in the Hebrew Testament of men and women using their gifts to honor God. Additionally, my vision of stewardship is rooted in the teachings of Jesus the Christ. Jesus prepared the first disciples to carry the Good News of salvation and taught them to use their gifts and talents in service of that mission. We use our gifts or talents to be disciples; to be the voice, hands, and feet of our Lord today.
As you consider what New Year’s resolutions to make, consider resolving to be a good steward of your blessings. I hope you continue to include Saint Ambrose Parish as one of your blessings, and I invite you to be creative about how to embody that resolution in 2013.