Episode 2061: Living the Gospel: Stewardship and Silence

Living the Gospel: Stewardship and Silence
We delve into the heart of Catholic tradition, seeking wisdom and guidance for our lives today. We explore the profound teachings of St. Basil the Great and the silent but powerful witness of St. Joseph, all through the lens of 1 Corinthians 4:5.
St. Basil the Great once said, “The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the cloak that lies in your chest belongs to the naked; the gold you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor.” These words resonate deeply with the call to stewardship a fundamental principle of our faith.
Stewardship is more than just managing our material possessions; it’s about recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us for the benefit of others. St. Basil challenges us to see beyond our own needs and desires, urging us to share generously with those who are less fortunate. In doing so, we embody the love and compassion of Christ, who calls us to serve our brothers and sisters with humility and generosity.
But what about silence? How does the silence of St. Joseph speak to us today?
St. Basil the Great was a fourth-century bishop in the Eastern Church and a renowned theologian and philosopher. He is revered as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. This quote is part of his teachings on charity and social justice.
Stewardship: At its core, this quote emphasizes the concept of stewardship a fundamental principle in Catholic social teaching. Stewardship recognizes that all the resources we possess ultimately belong to God, and we are called to manage them responsibly for the common good.
Material Goods as a Means of Charity: St. Basil highlights the importance of using our material possessions to alleviate the suffering of others. He emphasizes that the bread, cloak, and gold we possess are not solely for our own benefit but are meant to be shared with those in need. This reflects the biblical principle of charity and solidarity with the poor and marginalized.
Radical Generosity: St. Basil's words challenge us to examine our attitudes towards wealth and possessions. He advocates for a radical generosity that transcends mere token gestures, urging us to give sacrificially for the well-being of others. This echoes Jesus' teachings on love of neighbor and the importance of caring for the least among us.

Justice and Compassion: In essence, St. Basil calls for a society marked by justice and compassion, where resources are distributed equitably and the needs of the vulnerable are prioritized. This aligns with Catholic social teaching, which emphasizes the dignity of every human person and the obligation to work for the common good.
In summary, St. Basil's quote encapsulates the Catholic understanding of stewardship, charity, and social justice, challenging us to examine how we use our material possessions and calling us to live lives of generosity and solidarity with the less fortunate.
Now lets transition to Fr. Matthew Kauth but let me explain who he is:
Father Matthew Kauth is a Catholic priest known for his pastoral ministry, teaching, and writing. While there isn't an extensive biography readily available, here's a general overview based on the information typically associated with him:

Education and Formation: Father Matthew Kauth likely underwent formal education and formation in preparation for the priesthood. This would include studies in philosophy and theology, possibly at a seminary or university.

Ordination: He would have been ordained as a Catholic priest, likely after completing the required formation and discernment process within a diocese or religious order.

Ministry: Father Kauth has likely served in various pastoral roles within the Catholic Church, including parish ministry, spiritual direction, and possibly teaching in seminaries or schools of theology.

Authorship: He is known for his writings on topics related to theology, spirituality, and the Catholic faith. His insights often reflect a deep understanding of Catholic tradition and Scripture, combined with a pastoral approach that resonates with many readers.

Teaching: Father Kauth may have also been involved in teaching theology or religious studies at a university or seminary level, sharing his knowledge and insights with future priests, religious, and lay faithful.

Public Speaking and Retreats: It's possible that Father Kauth has also engaged in public speaking engagements, giving talks, leading retreats, and participating in conferences or workshops on various aspects of the Catholic faith.
Overall, Father Matthew Kauth's contributions to the Church likely include a combination of pastoral ministry, teaching, writing, and spiritual guidance, all aimed at deepening the faith of believers and fostering a deeper relationship with God within the Catholic tradition.
Fr Kauth beautifully captures the essence of St. Joseph’s silence when he says, “While we have no words of Joseph in all of Scripture, we know one thing he said: Jesus. His name is Jesus. Joseph is not perfectly silent. He speaks the name ‘Yahweh saves.’ Through Mary does the child receive a human nature, through Joseph his human name. The Word is spoken to Mary and she conceives. The word is spoken to Joseph and he breathes that name forth in utterance.”
St. Joseph’s silence is not emptiness but a profound listening and obedience to the will of God. In his quiet humility, he accepted his role as the earthly father of Jesus, nurturing and protecting him with unwavering love. His silence speaks volumes about trust, faith, and obedience—virtues that we, too, are called to embrace in our journey of discipleship.
Let's break down Father Matthew Kauth's quote from a traditional Catholic perspective:
Joseph's Silence in Scripture: Father Kauth acknowledges that there are no recorded words of St. Joseph in the Bible. Despite this apparent silence, he emphasizes that Joseph's role is not one of complete silence but of profound significance.
The Power of the Name 'Jesus': Father Kauth highlights that although Joseph may not have spoken many words, he did speak the most important word of all: "Jesus." By naming the child "Jesus," Joseph participates in the divine plan of salvation. The name "Jesus" itself carries immense significance, as it means "Yahweh saves" or "God saves."
Joseph's Role in Salvation History: Father Kauth underscores Joseph's crucial role in salvation history. Through Mary's "yes" to God's will, the child Jesus receives his human nature. However, it is through Joseph that Jesus receives his human name. This emphasizes Joseph's unique and irreplaceable role as the earthly father of Jesus, chosen by God to protect, nurture, and raise the Savior of the world.

The Word Spoken to Joseph: Father Kauth draws a parallel between the Word being spoken to Mary, resulting in the conception of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Word being spoken to Joseph. While Mary conceives physically, Joseph conceives spiritually by accepting his role as the foster father of Jesus and naming him "Jesus." This highlights Joseph's obedience and openness to God's will, even in the absence of explicit words recorded in Scripture.
In summary, Father Matthew Kauth's quote underscores the profound significance of St. Joseph's role in salvation history, emphasizing his obedience, humility, and participation in God's plan through the simple act of naming Jesus. It invites Catholics to reflect on Joseph's silent but powerful witness and to recognize the importance of obedience and trust in God's providence in their own lives.
As we reflect on the teachings of St. Basil and the example of St. Joseph, let us also ponder the words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:5: “Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.”
Let's break down 1 Corinthians 4:5 from a traditional Catholic perspective:

Context: The Apostle Paul wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians to address various issues within the Christian community in Corinth. In this particular passage, Paul is addressing the problem of divisions and conflicts among the Corinthians, some of which stemmed from their tendency to pass judgment on one another.
Avoiding Hasty Judgment: Paul begins by admonishing the Corinthians not to pass judgment prematurely. He urges them to refrain from making hasty or unjust judgments about others before the appointed time.
Awaiting the Lord's Coming: Paul reminds the Corinthians that there will come a time when the Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. At that time, all things hidden in darkness will be brought to light, and the true motives of people's hearts will be revealed.
God's Final Judgment: The verse underscores the belief in the final judgment, where God, in His omniscience and justice, will render a just verdict on every person. This judgment will not only consider outward actions but also the inner motivations and intentions of individuals.

Praise from God: Those who have lived according to God's will and have remained faithful will receive praise and reward from God. This highlights the importance of living a life of faithfulness and integrity, knowing that ultimately, our actions and intentions will be judged by God Himself.
Humility and Patience: The verse teaches humility and patience, urging believers to trust in God's timing and judgment rather than hastily passing judgment on others. It calls for a recognition of our own limitations and fallibility, leaving ultimate judgment to God.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 4:5 from a traditional Catholic perspective emphasizes the importance of avoiding hasty and unjust judgment, trusting in God's final judgment, and living a life of faithfulness and integrity in anticipation of receiving praise from God. It invites believers to cultivate humility, patience, and trust in God's providence as they await the fulfillment of His promises.
These words remind us of the importance of humility and patience in our spiritual journey. We are called to refrain from passing judgment on others and instead focus on our own hearts, allowing God to reveal the truth in his perfect timing. When we live with this awareness, we cultivate a spirit of compassion and understanding, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person as beloved children of God.
Thank you for joining me on this episode and I hope you found inspiration and encouragement in the wisdom of St. Basil the Great, the silent witness of St. Joseph, and the timeless words of Scripture. May we continue to live out our faith with generosity, humility, and love, trusting in God’s providence every step of the way. Now go out and convert somebody. Good Day!