In our Church today, few concepts are more misunderstood than the concept of Catholic stewardship. I know many hear the word “stewardship” and immediately it morphs into “fund-raising.” But that is not really what stewardship is about.

   Quite simply, the good steward is the person who takes care of whatever it is that she or he has been entrusted. As the U.S. Catholic bishops said in Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response: “A Christian steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others and returns them with increase to the Lord.”

   When we think about it, good stewardship affects every part of our lives. If we have wasted a talent, or dawdle our time away with worthless pursuits, or squander our resources, something inside of us just doesn’t feel right. That’s because our inner compass senses the right direction, even when we sometimes wander off course.

   On the other hand, when we are using our time, our talents and our material resources well, we feel in balance, in tune with God. We realize we have been generously given those gifts and, in turn, we are using them for good purposes.

   As good stewardship is a beautifully spiritual act, it is also dangerously contagious. When we see people in our parish leading by example of good stewardship, of not calling attention to their generosity, we are very likely to become “infected.” We surely are affected. The practice of good stewardship is enormously attractive and appealing.

   I love that adage, attributed to St. Francis, “Preach the gospel, and use words if necessary.” That is how good stewards share this bountiful life with God in Christ. Not by mouthing pious words, but by actions that speak to the deepest parts of us. Good stewardship calls out to us all. It’s possible, exciting, fulfilling, while bringing us ever closer to the giver of the gifts we have been given.