Our Faith in Action: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant’

By Dan Pfannenstein

Time. Talent. Treasure.

We have all been given incredible gifts. It is our responsibility to be good stewards of those gifts. When I think of prudent or wise stewardship, it helps to break it down into three pillars: time, talent and treasure.

First, I would like to look at the pillar of time. This precious gift of time is something that I think we overlook the most. We have been given this gift of our life and with that, God invites us to invest our time into the Church, our families and our communities. These communities need us and our presence is vital. We can all offer our time to help but it is something that we need to make a priority.

• Think about all the places in your own life that could use someone to invest a little of your time. Whether that is helping out at Mass or in one of the areas of ministry.
• Think of your local communities. There are different needs demanding our attention on a daily basis. Perhaps it is the elderly needing assistance or the local soup kitchen in need of some volunteers.
• Think of your own family. Perhaps there is someone in your of family or friends who needs your time invested in them.

We all have time but we all prioritize that time differently. When we become generous with our time, we can come across incredible moments of encounter, and that’s where Christ can really do a great work through us.

Second, let’s talk about talent. We all were created in the image and likeness of God, and with that, we were all given incredible talents. Some of us are good with technology, some of us are mechanics, some of us have great leadership skills, some of us are beautiful artists or musicians, some of us are good with finances and others are wonderful caregivers. Every single one of us have been given a unique talent, and we are called to use that talent in the building of the kingdom of God.

When I attend Mass, I look around and notice all the people involved in the liturgy. Whether singing in the choir or helping lead music as the cantor or helping decorate a beautiful space for worship. Maybe you’re thinking, “What if I don’t have those gifts?” Well, maybe you’re great with people and never considered that you could be a greeter or usher. Part of life is also uncovering and developing your talents.

• Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal your strengths.
• Study Scripture, perhaps spending time reflecting on the Fruits of the Spirit and which are most evident to you.
• Talk to others – a trusted friend, mentor, colleague or spiritual director. Sometimes others recognize our gifts easier than we do.

 One question I often ask myself is, when my life here on earth is complete, am I going to hear the words from Matthew’s Gospel: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have used your talents well”?

Third, let’s look at treasure. In some churches, at the time of offering, the priest will come down to the front with a basket allowing the kids to come forward and give there offering. What strikes me is that the kids approach the front with smiles and joy radiating from them. I sometimes wonder, do we give our treasure with that much enthusiasm? Our money and finances are a very personal thing, but our finances are also a gift from God, and we are to offer some of that gift to the Church and other needs in our communities. It’s not the amount that we reflect on, it is whether we are giving from our hearts in gratitude. Someone who carries out a life of generous living is often someone with great joy.

• Be intentional. Think carefully about how you want your donations to serve others.
• Invest in human stewardship. Take care of those around you who are in need.
• Support parishes, Catholic schools and the ministries of the diocese. Our funds stretch farther together.

Simply put, the Church needs you. It is not complete without you. Our communities will become vibrant and lifegiving when we invest our time, talent and treasure. When you think about how you have used the gifts you are given, will you, like me, long to hear those eternal words from our God: “Well done, my good and faithful servant?”

Dan Pfannenstein is a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral and an occasional writer for The Central Minnesota Catholic. 

Above photo: Alex Rodriguez of Alexandria uses his gifts and talents to serve his parish. (Photo by Paul Middlestaedt)