Stewardship of Time

Stewardship of Time

If we are truly to become Christ’s disciples, we must first spend time coming to know Him. Thus, though we often think of stewardship in terms of performing good works, Stewardship of Time is actually meant to be time spent with our Lord in prayer and formation. In their pastoral letter on stewardship, the U.S. Bishops explain that stewardship of time “…should include setting aside periods for family prayer, for reading of Scripture, for visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and for attendance at Mass during the week whenever this is possible.”

This is essential because although works of serves are indeed the eyes, ears, arms, and legs of a stewardship way of life, prayer is its heart. Only by spending time coming to know and love the Lord can we successfully perform His will and become a light onto the world.
 

How to Live out Stewardship of Time at St. Benilde

One of the best uses of our time in regards to stewardship is formal prayer. This can be time spent in God’s Word in the morning, attendance of daily Mass, praying the Rosary privately or with others, saying the Liturgy of the Hours, praying the blessing before your meal, or singing songs of praise. We can also make our very lives a prayer, transforming even the most menial of tasks into an offering for the Lord. Changing a diaper, writing an email, preparing a meal – these things, if offered in the proper spirit, can also become a gift of prayer to the Lord.

The second element of Stewardship of Time is spending time forming and educating ourselves in the faith. Part of our Christian calling is to go out and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15). This is only possible, however, if we ourselves have first spent time learning and internalizing that message ourselves. After all, it’s impossible to give what we do not first possess. This can mean participating in a parish Bible Study, attending a Lenten Mission, joining a faith-sharing small group, or reading a spiritual book.

No matter what your particular gift of time looks like, it’s important we each find ways to learn and grow in the faith so as to become better Christian disciples.