Turn on the TV any day of the week and you find a televangelist with the message, “Give a financial contribution, and God will then shower blessing on you.” The message of stewardship, based on the scriptures, is the absolute opposite. God gives first—life, health, a roof over our heads, food to eat and much more. We do not achieve these by our efforts alone, so returning a portion of our financial resources in the parish offertory is a way to express our real gratitude for what we have already received.

Give to God what is right—not what’s left.