I must confess. I have not always prayed for someone if I told him or her I would. I have fallen victim to making the phrase, “You are in my prayers,” a sentence void of real emotion or intent. It is like asking the question, “How are you?” Do I always want to know how you are at the time? Then fol lows the mos t common responses of “fine” or “good.” I could have had the worst day, but I still utter a response that does not reflect my true state. Many of us say things to be nice without really thinking about it. At least, I hope I am not the only one.
The truth is that words are meaningless without action. We sometimes make ourselves and others feel better by saying we will do things only to provide no action at all. Offering best wishes to those in real need without any action is worth little. Even if we think we are sincere, true faith without works is dead.
Good stewardship requires us to say what we mean and mean what we say. Stewardship is a way of living. It does ask for sentiments of love. It asks for profound actions of love. We need to offer our gifts, talents, time, and prayers to one another and then follow through. This means we need to be more mindful of what we are saying, more committed to following through, and more accountable for our actions if we fail. If we practice this way of living, not only will we be able to say we are doing the right thing, but our integrity will be intact and we will bear witness to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
–Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
Tracy Welliver works for Liturgical Publications Inc. in Stewardship. He is currently the Director of Parish Community and Engagement for LPI, having previously served for 22 years as Pastoral Associate at Saint Pius X Catholic Church in Greensboro, NC.