Making promises

Recently, I read a conversation about abundance and stewardship between two bilingual clergy. When asked about “stewardship,” one responded, “Stewardship is actually a problematic term in Spanish because it means something like ‘power over others’ rather than ‘care for others.’ I prefer to talk about making promises (promesas) which implies a mutuality of relationship.” (Canon Filemón Díaz, Trinity Cathedral, San Jose, California)

As Christians, we are in relationship with all who have committed to follow Jesus. We are part of the family of God, the Body of Christ. The community is responsible to each individual to nurture a sense of meaning and being valued. And every person has a responsibility to meet the needs of the community. What we give of our financial resources, time, or particular gifts, determines the shape of the faith community we live in. 

When one part of my body hurts, it affects my whole body. Likewise, when someone is ill or hurting or grieving in the Body of Christ, we are all affected. In this part of Christ’s body, we care for people through hospital visits, Stephen Ministry, reaching out with calls and cards, bringing communion to those who cannot attend worship in person, and helping with meals and transportation.  

As well, when someone in this faith community rejoices in healing, recovery, new opportunities, or new insights, we share in that joy. We celebrate new life in baptism, new relationships in marriage, mark milestones of graduations, birthdays, and anniversaries. And yes, we celebrate the lives of those who have completed their time on earth and have entered into the promised resurrection of Christ. 

All we have comes from God, who has provided for us. Whatever we give, God gives more. We cannot “outgive” God. Our fall giving campaign is about making promises to one another and sharing out of the abundance we have received from God. 

Nancy+