This weekend we remember the gifts of the Magi on the feast of The Epiphany of the Lord.  The symbolic gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh, but the gifts from God are much broader.  

They are not simply the material goods that we may enjoy.  They are gifts of faith, love and joy.  They are the gift of family and others to share our lives.  They are gifts of intelligence, talent and skill.  They are also gifts of imagination, compassion and the ability to share in creation.

Our Catholic faith teaches that with so many gifts freely given to us comes the responsibility to share them.  This is what stewardship is all about.  Stewardship is not simply about making donations to the collection and special collections or a second collection to take care of the buildings and grounds.  It is spirituality and a way of life that allows us to love the way Jesus loves.

Today we recognize all the gifts that God has given to us.  What does He expect in return?

• Receive the gifts with gratitude
• Cultivate them responsibly
• Share them lovingly in justice with others
• Be prepared to stand before God with accountability for what you have given back with increase

It is up to each of us to determine what we need to change to live out this stewardship way of life in 2021 and for a lifetime.  So instead of making resolutions, make reflections like, “Where is my life moving?”  There are many things that we cannot choose.  But within the life we are given, we can make choices, and to live as a steward of all we have is certainly one of them.