Living as a steward of Providence - In a recent 7 Steps small group, we were discussing how applying Catholic principles to finances helps us reach two important goals in life: growing in love of the Lord, and achieving Godly financial objectives. One of the participants noted how important the word applying was. He said it's easy to dream about goals, talk about them, and even write them down. But, he noted, those aren't the same as doing them. What did the Blessed Mother say to the stewards at the wedding feast at Cana? "Do whatever he tells you" (Jn. 2:5). True financial freedom results from consistently following a few principles that lead to success with finances and success with life. It starts by fulfilling our God-given role as a steward of Providence. While money plays a part in all of our lives, life's about a lot more than money.

The most important step you can make to become truly financially free is to grow in your relationship with the Lord. Why? As you learn to better imitate Christ, your priorities will change, including the way you view your finances. You'll desire to have a Godly financial plan and follow through on that plan. Take a moment to consider your walk with Christ. Are you moving forward? Backward? Side-ways? Frequent reception of the Eucharist, daily prayer and spiritual reading, and the sacrament of reconciliation are all effective ways to deepen our union with the Lord and guide us to being a more effective steward of Providence. God loves you!

Faith and Finances © – Visit VeritasFinancialMinistries.com for tools that can help you bring unity to managing money in your marriage. Consider joining Holy Name's "7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free" SMALL group-study. For information on the upcoming session or to sign up, cal Debbie & Angelo Panozzo at 471-4191.

During tough economic times, it’s not uncommon for family members in a pinch to ask for help. Is it ever wise to lend money to those close to you? Scripture describes debt in a cautious manner.

Proverbs 22:26-27 says,
Be not one of those who give pledges,
who become surety for debts.
If you have nothing with which to pay,
why should your bed be taken from under you?

Combine his caution with debt being between family, and the risk of arm to the relationship is multiplied. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t provide help to those in need, especially those closest to us. The Gospel is clear on that point (Mt. 5:35-40). But you should ask yourself whether your assistance will help your family member, or rather enable them to continue harmful behavior? Our goal should be to help those we love become the best person they can be. Sometimes that requires mercy and sometimes that requires “tough love.”

It can be difficult to know which is needed, so pray and seek counsel. If we err, we should err on the side of mercy. After all, that’s what our Lord does! Finally, unless it’s clear the recipient will be able to repay the loan, it probably makes more sense to provide assistance in the form of a gift. That will avoid creating ongoing tension resulting from unpaid debts. Providing your assistance through a gift also helps you be more realistic about how much you can actually afford to help. God loves you!

Faith and Finances © – Visit www.VeritasFinancialMinistries.com for tools that can help you bring unity to managing money in your marriage. God loves you! Consider joining Holy Name's "7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free" SMALL group-study. For information on the upcoming session or to sign up, please call Debbie/Angelo Panozzo at 471-4191.