This week's readings Week of Nov. 17 - 23 Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002 Reading I: Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 Reading II: 1 Thes 5:1-6 Gospel: Mt 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21 Monday, Nov. 18, 2002 Reading I: Rev 1:1-4; 2:1-5 Gospel: Lk 18:35-43 Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002 Reading I: Rev 3:1-6, 14-22 Gospel: Lk 19:1-10 Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002 Reading I: Rev 4:1-11 Gospel: Lk 19:11-28 Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002 Reading I: Rev 5:1-10 Gospel: Lk 19:41-44 Friday, Nov. 22, 2002 Reading I: Rev 10:8-11 Gospel: Lk 19:45-48 Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 Reading I: Rev 11:4-12 Gospel: Lk 20:27-40 Pope's Prayer Intentions November General Intention That widows and widowers find comfort in Christian communities: That widows and widowers feeling the pain of loneliness find comfort and support in their Christian community. November Mission Intention For the spread of the Gospel via the mass media: That Christians by their active participation encourage the spread of the Gospel via the mass media.

Stewardship:
Time, talent, and treasure

		Word of God  Word of Life  Fr. John G. Stillmank

The gospel story of the man who went on a journey, entrusting his property to servants who were to use what he had given them wisely, is a reminder of our own call to be good stewards of all that God has given to us.

Such a stewardship boils down to the love we have received from God and which should influence every aspect of our lives.

"Let us give thanks to God for all that he has given us in the best way possible: permitting no rust or decay to consume his gifts, but using them as fully as possible for the benefit of the Body of Christ."

Each one of us can use the gifts of time, talent, and treasure with which God has blessed us, whether little or great, few or many.

The proverbial image of the "worthy wife" shows a woman who works hard, using her knowledge and skills out of her love for her family. She brings good to her husband, works with "loving hands" for her family, for the poor and the needy. To her does her husband entrust his heart, as the Lord values his bride, the Church.

Readings for 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Nov. 17, 2002) Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 Matthew 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21

The fruitful vine and olive plants of the psalms are the bride of Christ and her children, those who are faithful disciples of their Master. "Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord," we sing, for those who are God-fearing will one day see the heavenly Jerusalem.

Because we are children of the light and of the day, writes Saint Paul, we do not sit in darkness. Rather, "let us stay alert and sober," watchful of the signs of the times and busy serving the Lord and others for the sake of Christ.

Jesus shows by his parable that the time we are given can be used wisely and vigilantly. The talents we have received can be put at the service of others.

So with the treasure we have worked for but which is, like all things, a gift from our generous Father - we must not hide or bury these many gifts, but bring them into the light and use them for the good of all.

Many times when modern Christians hear the word "stewardship" they might think "oh oh, they're going to talk about money again."

Financial stewardship is but one part of the picture. All members of every parish should give of their time to serve others in the community. All - young and old, rich and poor - should use their skills and talents for the benefit of all.

And yes, everyone has a responsibility to give financial support according to their means, whether that means a small or a large amount. Stewardship doesn't mean money alone, but it means sacrificing from every area of our lives - indeed, giving back to God from what he has given us.

Our blessings are not meant to be kept, but to be given away. So doing, let us give thanks to God for all that he has given us in the best way possible: permitting no rust or decay to consume his gifts, but using them as fully as possible for the benefit of the Body of Christ.

As we draw nearer to Advent, when we anticipate the coming of the Lord at Christmas, let us give generously of the time, talent, and treasure that God has given us. When the Lord comes, he will find our hearts full of love, our hands open wide, and our faces smiling because we have been generous stewards of his blessings.

Fr. John G. Stillmank is Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Madison and pastor of St. Andrew Parish, Verona, and St. William Parish, Paoli.