A Pastoral Reflection on Stewardship

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I remember in College Seminary, I had a close friend.  But because of some disagreements between us, we parted our separate ways.  During the Seminary years, it was extremely difficult for me because I saw him all the time.  It seemed like the more I tried to avoid him, the more prevalent he became.  I saw him in the Chapel, in the Classroom, and at all the Social Events.   But I didn’t speak a word to him. 

What I discover within myself is that He did something that made me quite upset and angry.  I tried to
communicate that painful experience by not talking to him.  I wanted him to know that I disapprove of his actions, but also that he has lost my respect and friendship.  At the time, my respect and friendship meant a lot to me, and not giving it to him was the punishment.

I notice that sometimes when Parishioners have some sort of disagreement with their Pastor or a member of the Staff, they convey their frustration and anger either with a decrease in their Stewardship Tithing, or quit volunteering at the Parish.  Even a sincere apology doesn’t mend the brokenness. 

Let’s look to Sacred Scriptures for inspiration.  When Jesus hanging on the Cross, he could’ve made this request to God the Father: “Father, please crucify them all.  Please punish them for what they have done.”  But he didn’t do any of that.  He simply prayed: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”  Luke 23:34

This particular prayer of Jesus has always stayed with me ever since I was a child.  I am always amazed that Jesus did not want to return the punishment to the people who have killed him.  He was so much better than that.  He forgave. 

When Parishioners are decreasing their Stewardship, they are in a sense trying to convey their pain.  But their conveyance has to do with this idea: “I am in pain, and I want others to suffer this pain.”  I’m confident that with God’s grace, the last thing we want to do is cause more pain and suffering for others, which will eventually affect the entire body of Christ.  One of my favorite movies is Star Wars.   One of the main Characters, Anakin Skywalker, was one of the most gifted of all the Jedi.  But he turned to the Dark Side in order to do good which is to save his wife.  It shows that any good person can easily be fall akin to the Dark Side.  It’s important to beware of the Dark Side.