Stewardship of the gifts God has given us – time, talent and treasure – is a part of our Christian discipleship. And, as we head into the season of stewardship, I notice that the Gospel for this week brings up a topic Anglicans often like to avoid: money. We may think or hear things like, “What does money have to do with the church?” “Shouldn’t we be more worried about our souls than our wallets?” “Isn’t it unspiritual to be concerned with money?”
The Pharisees try to trap Jesus with similar kinds of questions. “Say, Jesus, what do you think about paying taxes to a corrupt and bloodthirsty governor?” Jesus answers by reminding them that loyalty to God does not absolve them of societal responsibility. “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and unto God that which is God’s.”
Yet, this does not mean that Jesus never used nor needed money. In fact, he was only able to carry out his ministry because of benefactors who provided financial and other support.
I think one of the reasons we don’t like to talk about money in church is because it feels ‘crass’ – we come to church seeking care for our souls and to deepen our discipleship. Some of us think of our bodies as merely a temporary house for our more-important souls. Money, therefore, is seen as a ‘necessary evil’ rather than an instrument of God’s kingdom.
Yet, the resurrected body of Jesus tells us a different story: namely that the body we reside in is just as important as our soul. And the tangible things of this world – including money – are necessary too. Like those in Jesus’ time, we are required to pay taxes, as well as to provide food, shelter and other bodily needs for ourselves and our families. We need money to do these things. And, the body of Christ – the church – also needs money: to pay staff and clergy; repair and upkeep buildings; keep the heat and lights on; fund ministry endeavours and outreach projects, and much more.
Having money is not bad – it is what we do with it that counts. Like our time and talents, we have what we do because of God’s goodness and generosity. We render unto Caesar what is required of us, of course. And, out of love and thanksgiving for the gifts we have been given, we give back to God a portion of what has always been God’s – our time, talent, AND treasure.
Mother Amanda
