THINK ON THESE THINGS...
THE EARLY CHURCH
In his book on the Eucharist, Fr Alexander Schmemann explains that in the early church, the Eucharistic sacrifice was offered by all the members of the church. Each person coming to the gathering of the Church brought with them everything they could spare for the needs of the Church. This meant for the sustenance of the clergy, widows and orphans, for helping the poor, and for all the good works of the Church. This is the Church that we as Orthodox Christians claim to be.

We also learn about the early Church in Acts 2 (43-47): “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

I DON’T GET ANYTHING OUT OF LITURGY
How many times have you heard people say, “I don’t get anything out of liturgy”?
The truth is that we don’t come to church to get, but rather to give – our whole being to God. We have to give ourselves as an offering to God and what we get in return is the presence of Jesus Christ within us. We become Christ-bearers – “Christophoroi” – bringing Him to others.

THE NEXT LEVEL
A young man had taken his girlfriend to a high-priced restaurant. As the young couple looked over the menu the young woman scanned the prices of the entrees, and then turning to the young man she asked, “How much do you love me?” Continuing to scan the menu, the young man replied, “Probably more than the corned beef, but not as much as the broiled lobster.”

Stewardship is not about calculations or portions or percentages. It can’t be reduced to a number of hours of service or dollars offered. Stewardship is a way of life.

As Orthodox Christians, we are called to a new way of seeing things – a new way of life. Our stewardship is obedience to the greatest commandment to “love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” You are called to bring others to commit their lives to Jesus Christ in such a way that leads to the joy of knowing Him personally and profoundly.

As we come to know Jesus in this way, we are drawn into the Communion of the Body of Christ – the Church. When we receive the Holy Eucharist – Holy Communion – as stewards, we are recipients of a great gift – actually the greatest gift we could ever receive – the body and blood of Christ.
Proper Stewardship of our gifts has the ability to revitalize our Church.

If our stewardship is not grounded in the Eucharist, then it is only about paying the bills of the Church, with everyone recruited to do their fair share. But when we understand the true meaning of the Holy Eucharist, we bridge the gap between liturgy and life, between the love of Jesus on cross and our daily lives, between our beautiful theology and spirituality and the practical stewardship to which we are called.

As Orthodox Christians, we see the world as God’s gift, as a sacrament of God’s presence and a means of communion with Him. And so we are able to offer the world back to God in thanksgiving as we say in every Divine Liturgy “Thine own of Thine own we offer to thee…”