As a priest, I find it spiritually enriching and meaningful to celebrate Mass with the congregation. I see it not as a task but as a privilege and a gift. I love connecting with people in prayer and feel deeply aware of God’s presence. It is no wonder Jesus said in this Sunday’s Gospel that where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is among them.
The Mass that we celebrate daily and on Sundays connects us with people beyond our parish community. It is the same Mass celebrated in different parts of the world and in various languages. For example, this Sunday’s Scripture readings and prayers are the same as those proclaimed during the Mass in Nigeria, Manila, Peru, or Sydney.
This is what is so extraordinary about our Catholic faith; it truly embodies its name, meaning “universal.” The Mass unites us with fellow believers throughout the world. It not only connects us with fellow Catholics but with all people, as we offer the Mass with the needs of all in mind. For instance, our Universal Prayer at Mass includes intentions for all those in Nepal who have died or remain missing following the recent deadly mudslide and flooding.
The word “Ekklesia” in Greek means “assembly” or “congregation.” In a Christian context, “ekklesia” refers to the church or the body of believers. It is often understood as a community of followers of Jesus Christ who gather for worship, fellowship, teaching, and service. The term reflects the idea of coming together for a common purpose, indicating both a physical gathering of individuals and a spiritual assembly united in prayer.
As an “ekklesia,” we are called to grow in deep love and concern for one another, removing anything that blocks our entrance into a deeper communion with God and one another, such as unforgiveness, conflicts, discrimination, and division. We are called to welcome one another as brothers and sisters through our common baptism. We are also called to serve one another and inspire each other to live joyous and meaningful lives. We come together to affirm each other’s gifts, and, most importantly, we gather to pray for everyone’s eternal salvation.
Our gatherings extend beyond the celebration of Mass, allowing us to deepen our faith in God and strengthen our community. This is why we have various ministries involving children, youth, and adults, and why we organize community-building events and fellowships. Our hope is that more people will participate in our ministries and serve as volunteers, rather than merely attending Mass. It is truly delightful to see people coming together, enjoying one another’s company, and jointly serving the needs of others, especially the young and the poor.
As an “ekklesia,” we are also called to grow in stewardship. In the Catholic tradition, stewardship is not simply about fundraising or financial contributions to the parish. It is a way of life rooted in gratitude, responsibility, generosity, and discipleship.
We must remember the four dimensions of stewardship:
1. Stewardship begins by giving God our time through prayer, Sunday Mass, Scripture reading, spiritual formation, and time spent serving others.
2. It involves sharing our talents. Stewardship asks: What has God entrusted to me, and how can I use these gifts for the good of the Church and the community?
3. Stewardship entails the generous sharing of material blessings. It encourages us to give proportionately, intentionally, and generously, supporting the mission of the parish, the poor, evangelization, and works of charity. This approach differs from simply “paying for church expenses.” We give because we recognize God as the source of all we possess.
4. Stewardship includes caring for creation—our common home—and for the earth’s resources. We are caretakers rather than absolute owners.
Ultimately, stewardship is about discipleship. A helpful way to express this is:
“Stewardship is not about what the Church wants from us; it is about what God wants to do through us.”
The fundamental question changes from:
“How much should I give to the Church?” to “How is God calling me to use everything He has entrusted to me?”
For a Catholic parish, therefore, stewardship is best understood not as a financial program but as a spirituality—a spirituality of gratitude, generosity, and mission.
Friends, let us grow stronger as an “ekklesia” and grow deeper together in spirituality. May St. Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church, intercede for us! Amen.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California
