Wealth ensures nothing. Indeed, once we think we are rich, we can become so self-satisfied that we leave no room for God’s word, for the love of our brothers and sisters, or for the enjoyment of the most important things in life. In this way, we miss out on the greatest treasure of all. That is why Jesus calls blessed those who are poor in spirit, those who have a poor heart, for there the Lord can enter with his perennial newness (Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate #68).

Stewardship is the recognition that everything we have—our intelligence, our emotions, our personality, all our gifts and talents and, of course, all our material possessions—belongs exclusively to our good and gracious God. We are but trusted stewards of these precious gifts. 

Our job is to ask the question: Lord, what do you want me to do with the gifts you have given me? How can I develop and share my gifts for your greater glory and for the good of all my sisters and brothers?

Help me, Lord, to be poor in spirit so that I can be rich in your abundant grace!