A Universal Law (cause and effect):
Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly; whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Explain metaphor.
- What is sowing? What is reaping?
- What are WE supposed to sow? Ourselves. The Gospel. (same thing)
- What are we going to reap (what is a bounty? What will we really enjoy?!)
- Slave, servant, lover.
Self assessment: Are we giving bountifully… or sparingly?
- We have resources – these are things
- Assessment time
- Time: look at our calendars – how much time do we have for sowing?
- Money: look at our budget – how much have we built in for sowing?
- Vocation: what have we done with our gifts? Not just for money.
Same for a parish. Are we sowing sparingly… or bountifully? How much do we give of ourselves TO OTHERS?
- What ministries do we have that sow the Gospel
- Here, among ourselves
- Among others?
- Assessment time:
- Look at our parish calendar: what ministries do we have to offer?
- Look at our parish budget: what ministries does our budget support?
- Vocations: how many sowers are there among us?
One final thing:
The need for joy. “Cheerful giving”. We are spreading the Gospel, not coercion. Joy, not fear. We cannot share it if we do not have it.
We have to rededicate ourselves and our parish to cheerful giving.
- Take a hard look at our budgets. It will feel to good to give freely (not because it is “due” or expected). It feels good to sacrifice. Work towards a tithe. As a parish, it’s all about ministries, not keeping the doors open.
- Take a hard look at our calendars. Can we free up time to participate in something that spreads joy, hope, and community? What ministries should this parish be offering that we are not?
- Take a hard look at how we foster participation (vocations) in ourselves (am I offering my gifts freely?). How can we do a better job as a parish in ensuring that everyone has a place to devlop and share their gifts?
