Often the perception of stewardship is one of fundraising. We automatically see a hand stretched out asking for money. This perception does much to damage the true meaning and focus of stewardship.

Stewardship is a way of life. It is a practical form of spirituality requiring a daily conversion of heart, a living out of our baptismal call and a realization of the central role of the Eucharist in our lives. Simply put, stewardship is nothing more and nothing less than following Christ no matter what the cost.

This description seems quite overwhelming if taken without the assurance of the promise of God’s presence with us as we follow Him. However, we have that promise in Jesus’ own words:

“I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always: the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, since it neither sees Him nor recognizes Him; but you can recognize Him because He remains with you and will be within you. I will not leave you orphaned; I will come back to you.” (Jn 14:15-18)

Through experience, our own and that of our ancestors in the faith, we know we can count on Jesus’ promises being kept. The way of life we are being challenged to follow is one that we do not have to embrace alone. Jesus is with us every step of our journey of discipleship.