STEWARDS
“We must remember we are stewards of what God has provided for us, not owners.” – Joyce Meyers
Instead, our “dominion” over the universe should be understood more properly in the sense of responsible stewardship. (Pope Francis, LS #116)
Thus, the Eucharist is also a source of light and motivation for our concerns for the environment, directing us to be stewards of all creation. (Pope Francis, LS #236)
“Let everyone then see us as the servants of Christ and the stewards of the secret works of God. Being stewards, faithfulness shall be demanded of us.” (1st Corinthians 4:1-2, Christian Community Bible)
REFLECTION: People are created to serve as the stewards of creation. On the one hand, nature and the environment were created for humanity’s survival. On the other hand, humanity was created in order that nature and environment will be preserved and nurtured. Yet, the wonderful creation is drastically deteriorating. Fresh air turns polluted, the clear river flowing turns stagnant. Obviously, we fail to do our role as stewards. Despite this situation, it is not yet the end of everything. We can still do what is expected of us as stewards. All we need to do is to improve our works and be more creative in preserving and protecting the creation. Live by the real essence of stewardship. Responsible stewardship is one good act to save our Mother Earth and the whole universe.
Key Statement: People are created to serve as stewards of creation.
Personal Challenge: As a steward, I am to take good care of the environment.
PRAYER
God, giver of life and source of our freedom, You are indeed the source of every good gift. Everything we have and everything we are is from You. Thank You for entrusting the earth to us and believing that we are capable of being responsible for it. Help us to use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them justly. Make us faithful stewards bearing witness to Your love in our lives. Amen.
ROMANO M. BULATAO is a Professor at Saint Louis University (SLU), Baguio City. He completed his AB Philosophy in 1990 at the Saint Anthony Mary Claret College (SAMCC), Quezon City; MA Religious Studies in 2003, and MA Philosophy in 2014, both in SLU; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theology, Major in Missiology, at the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA) – SAMCC in 2021. Mr. Bulatao served as the Department Head of Religion at SLU (2006-2009); and President of the Kapatirang Claretiano Inc. – Pangasinan Chapter (KCI-PC), since 2011. He is the author of the book entitled Touching Thoughts A-Z published in 2009; translator of the Novena to Saint Anthony Mary Claret (from Pangasinan language to English) published in 2015; and the Novena kay San Antonio Maria Claret (from Pangasinan language to Filipino) published in 2020 by the Claretian Publications. ((romanobulatao@yahoo.com)
