Antennas, satellite dishes and GPS
By Dan Stremel
Director, Offices of Finance and Stewardship
Have you ever stopped to think about all of the ways in which we receive information on a daily basis? The television stations have now blessed, or perhaps more accurately, have cursed us with the ability to watch news channels all day, every day, so we are never too far from the events going on in our world. The internet provides instant delivery of the latest headlines and the radio stations and newspapers are quick to give us the local happenings. Some people prefer spending their time in conversation with friends, sipping coffee and planning the day, catching up on what one person or another has heard or seen since the last gathering.
Admittedly, I am one of those persons who will spend time almost daily reading the newspaper, listening to talk radio, watching the news, and in between times, will see what news stories have appeared lately on the internet. It is habitual to read the newspaper first thing in the morning, and then to check my email and the internet to ponder the latest national and world events.
Having been taken away from the conveniences of these modern modes of communication, I have come to realize that I can, in fact, survive without knowing all of these daily tidbits of information. Camping in the mountains of Colorado is a good way to release one’s self from the most modern conveniences, and is, as they say, a good way to relate with nature. In fact, once the initial shock is over, not having access to telephones, computers, televisions, or even radios does give one the feeling of having been relieved of a significant burden.
Whether you are the kind of person who wants to be always "in the loop," knowing everything about what is going on in our world, or you want to "relate with nature," there is a challenge to live as a Christian steward. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and while I would not suggest that all of these modern technological wonders will impart knowledge, I will suggest that what we hear, learn, see, and experience can and should mold our lives as Jesus’ disciples here on Earth. There are powerful signs in our midst if we are nature lovers, which will also shape our lives as Jesus’ disciples. The bottom line is that whatever our preference, each of us through our Baptism have been called to this discipleship, this living our lives in the way Jesus did.
However, I would suggest that we often do not stop to listen to the best form of communication available to us, no matter where we are or what we are doing. This form of communication does not require high-powered antennas, satellite dishes, or global positioning software. This form of communication is available in the home, in the office, and in nature. This communication that I am speaking about is meaningful dialogue with God, you know, prayer!
You may have noticed of late that I have written much about prayer as a part of this stewardship column. The reason for this is simple. Stewardship involves the sharing of our time, our talents, and our treasure, all gifts from God, with and for the benefit of others. Spending time each day in our lives in prayer, listening, discerning, and embracing what God has planned for us is using God’s gift of time wisely.
It is my belief that news and events coverage will take on a more positive tone if each of us will first invest a portion of time at the beginning of each day to dialogue with God, and to grow in our spiritual relationship with Him. When and if we do, each of us will be willing and able to invest our talents and our treasure by selflessly sharing with others. It is my hope that each of us will be receptive to not only hearing, but also listening to the word of God.
The stewardship journey is one that is ongoing and each of us has the opportunity to participate or not to participate. May we be open to this invitation by our loving God to move one step at a time, day in and day out, along on this stewardship journey by gratefully acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from God, and that we, too are called to respond to others in gratitude. It is then that the news of our day will be filled much more positively with the footprint of God and not so much with the footprint of society.