Hou Much Is Enough?

So, how much is enough? Traditionally, tithing asks that 10% of our income be given. That can seem a frightening concept. We suggest that "tithing" be applied to the sum total of all of our charitable contributions. There are many worthwhile charities asking for our support. As Christian stewards, we need to support those charities as generously as possible. And, while it may not be the best example of a "free will” offering, some tithing has been included in the taxes collected by our government. In other words, a percentage of our tax dollar is used to support the poor and needy of our community. And finally, there is the church asking for its share of that charitable dollar.

By looking at tithing through a simple formula, each family can pledge its support to our parish. Tithing based on a 40 hour work week would mean that 4 hours, or 10% of a household salary each week should be contributed to charity. From that 4 hours, deduct 2 hours credited to contributions given via the taxes you pay. Take 1 hour each week for other charitable causes. And then allot 1 hour of each week’s income to our parish. This means the amount given the church is not 10% but 2.5%. We are asked to spend one hour each week at Sunday Mass and one hour each week volunteering our services. It's reasonable we should give a minimum of one hour each week in financial support.

As you contemplate your financial commitment to our parish, take a moment to reflect on the following scripture passage: "No one shall come before the Lord empty-handed, but each of you with as much as he can give in proportion to the blessing which the Lord, your God, has bestowed upon you” (Deut. 6:17).

In the real world of working, sleeping, eating, and spending quality time with family and friends: how much time can I share? Let’s take a look at the numbers. There are 168 hours in a week. Of these we spend: 44 working and commuting, 56 sleeping, 21 eating meals, and 7 on personal grooming, leaving 40 hours of disposable time. If we allocate 7 hours to personal time, 4 hours to spiritual time, and 25 hours to quality time with family and friends; this leaves us with 4 hours to return to God in the service of others. We are asked to spend one hour each week at Sunday Mass and a minimum of one hour each week in financial support of the church. It's reasonable we should give one hour each week volunteering our services to support the ministries of the parish.

As you prayerfully consider your stewardship commitment of time and talent, please reflect on the following passage: "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required: and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48).

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