Note: our guest blog comes from the Episcopal Network for Stewardship:
Stewardship Formation
by The Rev. Can. J. Hugh Magers
One of the things I’ve noticed in myself and virtually every other priest is that we are uncomfortable around our parishioners who are in a different place financially from where we are. I tend to feelguilty about what I have when I am with those who have less than I. I tend to be envious or inappropriately awed by thosewho have a lot more. This has meant that there is always a barrier to jump in order to be present in a priestly way when I am with someone, rich or poor.
But, I think that I am being healed. I also think it is giving, in particular tithing, that is doing the healing. Being a priest can lead to a spiritually case-hardened heart. We are exposed to so much Scripture, countless times of prayer and Eucharists without end. It makes us resistant to being moved by God ’s presence. In my desperate situation the primary way God enters my heart is through money. Not the money I get, but the money I give. I believe as deeply as I am able to believe that Jesus wasn’t kidding when he said, “where your treasure is your heart will be also.” When I put 10% or 15% ofour income in God ’s hands, at least that much of my heart follows.
Then the meaning of money changes. Rather than a way to keep score, it becomes a way to open my heart to God .When I no longer feel compelled to keep people ranked by their wealth or lack of wealth, I am able to actually be with them as a priest rather than a competition.
In short, giving heals the heart. It opens the eyes. It creates a chance for really being present with someone.
Hugh Magers, a member of the Board of Directors of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship, is noted as a consultant to dioceses and parishes on stewardship, evangelism and Hispanic Ministry Development. Formerly the Director of Stewardship and later Director of Evangelism at the Episcopal Church Center, Hugh presently serves as Interim Rector of Church of the Advent in Brownsville, Texas. He can be reached by e-mail.