August 29, 2021
/Proper 17
Song of Solomon 2: 8-13; Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
The Rev. James M.L. Grace
In the Name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN
In the book of James today we hear these words: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above.” This morning I want to talk to you about giving – more specifically – I want to talk about stewardship. I know, what a terrible way to begin a sermon, right? We have a Hurricane brewing in the gulf, we have the tragedy of lives lost in Afghanistan, not to mention Covid – and I want to talk stewardship. Just how tone deaf am I?
Yes it seems very tone deaf to talk stewardship at a time like this, but I would also say that if global stability and peace were a necessary prerequisite for us to talk about contributing money to St. Andrew’s, we would likely never have that conversation. And, the issues I referenced – Hurricane Ida and Afghanistan are stewardship issues. What I mean is that we are taking a collection today – all cash donations today will be split. One half will go to Hurricane Ida response, wherever it lands, and the other half will go to Afghan Refugee resettlement in Houston. You may also write a check – notate “Afghanistan” or “Hurricane Ida” in the memo, and we will send the funds out this week. So, give generously.
I have just three things I want to say about stewardship this morning and then I promise you I am done. The first is this: each of us has been given an amazing and miraculous gift from God. What is this wonderful gift you might be asking? What is so amazing and wondrous that God has given to us? Our lives. Inside each of our bodies is a heart that is estimated to pump blood through our bodies 2.5 billion times during our lifespan. To put that into some context, during the time that you have been in church this morning, your heart has already beat some two thousand times. Remarkable, isn’t it?
My second point on stewardship is this – an appropriate response to the gift we have received, is gratitude. How many of you woke up this morning feeling grateful that you were alive? Did you say “good God, another morning” or did you say “Good morning, God! What can I do for you today?” Gratitude is essential.
So, the first two points on stewardship: (1) God has given us a miraculous gift – our lives. (2) Our response to God’s gift should be gratitude. My third, and final, point on stewardship is this – gratitude is why we give. We don’t give out of obligation, or because we feel that our arm is being twisted – we give because we want to.
Earlier this week, I was asked by a person if the church would be able to pay the September rent on their apartment for reasons I don’t need to get into. I was able to say yes to this person, and to pay the rent, because you all have given dollars to something called a Rector’s Discretionary Fund which I get to use to fund requests like this.
In the coming months ahead, all of us will hear, in no uncertain terms, about the importance of financial stewardship to St. Andrew’s. What that means is that each year, St. Andrew’s budget starts at $0. As the finance committee budgets, they do so based on what you all prayerfully discern will be your financial pledge to St. Andrew’s for next year.
That’s all – three points on stewardship: (1) God has given us a miraculous gift. (2) Our response to God’s gift is gratitude. (3) We express gratitude by giving away freely what God has given us. Financial stewardship is not an obligation, it is an opportunity. AMEN.