The Spirituality of Stewardship and The Magic of Sharing
Do nothing out of selfishness… rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David of the Diocese of Caloocan was the keynote speaker at the Stewardship Summit at the Diocese of Cubao and he shared the verse above to highlight the spirituality of stewardship. The summit was held last June 22, 2019 at the Obispado de Cubao on Lantana Street. Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and the summit organizers brought together about 250 delegates from forty-seven parishes in the diocese, including delegates from Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows, led by parish priest, Fr. Steve Zabala. The objectives of the summit were to deepen the spirituality of stewardship among the leaders and to have all parishes in the diocese embrace stewardship as a way of life by 2025.
The summit was a perfect venue to reflect on where we have been, where we are, and where we wish to go. It came at a perfect time, with Christ the King Parish about to celebrate its fortieth year and Stewardship as a Way of Life on its fourteenth year. To individuals, both the teen years and midlife are important milestones—marked by a search for identity and trying to make better sense of things. At forty, the story of Christ the King Parish has been one of finding a greater sense of purpose—about realizing that life is never just about one’s self and is never just about us.
“Walang milagro na nagsisimula sa wala. Lahat sa meron,” Bishop Ambo said, referring to the feeding of the multitudes from five loaves and two fish with twelve baskets of leftovers to boot. He reminded everyone that we need to start where we are and with what we have. “Ang binibigay, mula sa puso, hindi sa bulsa. Resources, when generously shared, multiply,” he said. That is the magic of sharing.
Stewardship as a Way of Life at Christ the King Parish has seen the sharing of time, talent, and treasure, in the service of God and neighbor. Through the generosity of parishioners and Mass goers, the parish has been able to provide scholarships, support feeding programs, catechists and poor parishes, and many noteworthy projects. As Christ the King parish journeys into the next forty years, it needs to build on and strengthen what it has started. Stewardship is reflecting God’s goodness in our lives by “giving as much as we can, as often as we can, from the heart, as a faith response.”
Some Points for Personal Reflection:
1. What are you grateful for in your life? How do you express your gratitude?
2. What responsibilities and duties have been assigned to you as an individual? How do you think these relate to God’s plan for your life?
3. How do you share your time, talent, and treasure with people around you? How are you generous at home, at work, at school, in the parish, in your community?
4. How have you used and returned the gifts that God has given you to serve the Lord and your neighbor?
