The Franciscan tradition tells a story about St Francis of Assisi and Lady Poverty. Francis understood that the danger is not possessing things, but allowing possessions to possess our hearts. He embraced Poverty as a “lady” because she reminded him that nothing belongs to us absolutely. Everything is received, everything is entrusted, and everything must one day be surrendered.
This echoes today’s Gospel. The tenants fell into the illusion of ownership. The vineyard was entrusted to them, but they began to behave as though it belonged to them. How easily we can make the same mistake: treating what God has entrusted to us as though it were permanently ours.
My brothers and sisters, we are tenants, not owners. Our lives, gifts, relationships, possessions and positions are entrusted to us for a time and a purpose. What God has placed in our hands is meant to bear fruit for Him and for others. Let us ask ourselves: Have I forgotten that those in my care belong to God? Have I mistaken stewardship for ownership? One day, the Master will come and ask for an account. May He find that what He entrusted to us has not been wasted, but has borne good fruit. Amen.
Fr. Kingsley Nze
Director of Pastoral Affairs
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