Lent is HERE!

An Everyday Stewardship Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent 2017

Can you believe Lent is here already? It seems like not that long ago I was decorating a Christmas tree! Time waits for no one and that is why it is important to make a mindful commitment now to not let this Lenten season pass you by. It is a great time to focus on growing as an everyday steward. The temptations are always there to procrastinate or to give in to spiritual laziness, but the Church’s observation of Lent offers us so many tools to help us get on track. Increased devotions such as Stations of the Cross, various parish missions, or Lenten focused literature are all gifts that your parish may be offering to assist you in this season.

With the Passion being the focus of Lent, it is easy to contemplate the value of true generosity. How could someone give more than Jesus? He gave until His life was spent on a cross. When contemplating how we can increase our generosity in all aspects of our life, we only need to look to the Cross. Of course, this also brings home to us that more may be asked of us than we bargained. The temptation is to not give too much, out of fear that might face persecution or worse.

But we take solace in the fact that we are disciples of One who had the same temptations. He overcame those temptations. He rejected the easy way out. His love and generosity could not be contained. He gave it all so that you and I have the chance to do the same. This Lent, look to the greatest example of stewardship that ever lived. Jesus will show us the way to a observe a Lent that will soon bring forth great Easter fruit.