Most pastors are reluctant to talk about money — doing so seems like taking time away from preaching the gospel. However, doing so is in our job description: the lights must be kept on, the buildings in good repair, the salaries paid and, most importantly, the resources available for the works of mercy (feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc.) It is consoling that Jesus (You cannot serve God and mammon) and St. Paul (you sent me something for my needs, not only once but more than once) talk about money. What they want us to understand is that everything we have is a gift. We contribute to the church or the food pantry in order to make a return to the Lord for blessings received.
