Theobooks

What Do I Own and What Owns Me? A Spirituality of Stewardship by Daniel Conway

This book of reflections on the stewardship message of the late Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy is an excellent addition to one's book shelf. The author tells us in the book that stewardship is a lifestyle that reflects who we are and what we believe. When Archbishop Thomas Murphy said this, he was referring to daily living—not to diocesan or parish programs. A commitment to stewardship should influence our most basic choices: How we spend our free time; how we develop and use the skills and abilities God has given us; and how we earn, save, spend and share our money. This is “time, talent and treasure” to be sure, but it is expressed in terms of daily living, not just as a formula for volunteerism or church support.

Stewardship should guide our choices: about what we do on the weekend; about the books we read and the movies we see; about how we celebrate Christmas; about how we dispose of our trash; about how we share ourselves and our material possessions with others; about how much we drink; about relationships and sex; and, yes, about how much we contribute to the Sunday collection and the bishop's annual appeal. A commitment to stewardship as a way of life should have an impact on everything we choose to do—no exceptions. This is not just another gimmick to raise funds or encourage volunteerism. It is a radical re-thinking of our everyday lives based on fundamental principles of faith and spirituality.

Dan Conway is president of RSI Catholic Services Group.