Stewardship
In Catholic Social Teaching, stewardship is the moral responsibility to care for the earth, human life, and all God's gifts. It teaches that humans are caretakers, not absolute owners, and requires the responsible, sustainable management of resources for the common good and future generations.
When God created our first parents, he placed them in the Garden or Eden as stewards of his creation. He invited them to cooperate with hm in his creation and instructed them, “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth” (Gn 1: 28). This phrase “be fruitful and multiply,” can be applied by extension to the goods of the earth as well. If mankind is to “fill the earth,” people must make wise use of natural resources to support themselves and future generations. The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race.
CCC 2402: “In the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind to take care of them, master them by labor, and enjoy their fruits. The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race. However, the earth is divided up among men to assure the security of their lives, endangered by poverty, and threatened by violence. The appropriation of property is legitimate for guaranteeing the freedom and dignity of persons and for helping each of them to meet his basic needs and the needs of those in his charge. It should allow for a natural solidarity to develop between men.”
As stewards of creation, people must not only be just when dealing with each other but also must avoid excessive consumption. In the modern era, a majority of the world’s goods are consumed by a minority of the world’s population. As man is called to imitate Christ, it is clear personal wealth can never be an excuse for rampant consumption. Care must be taken to protect the “goods of creation,” and every Christian has a personal obligation to use the goods of the earth as God wills, according to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
We are entrusted with the Earth to "till and to keep" it, preserving its integrity for future generations. This involves sustainable living, combating a "throw-away" consumer mentality, and advocating for policies that reduce environmental degradation, which disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable globally. God has granted every person unique skills, passions, and time. We are called to develop these gifts and put them in service to others. This is lived out through volunteerism, mentoring, participating in parish or community ministries, and dedicating one's daily work to the benefit of society.
Our material wealth is a blessing meant to be used responsibly. While the Church recognizes the right to private property, it holds that all the goods of the earth are destined for the whole human race. This requires generosity to the poor, charitable giving, and aligning one's financial choices with moral and ethical values (e.g., ethical investing, planned legacy giving). The concept is heavily rooted in the Parable of the Talents (Mt 25:14-30), which warns against hoarding or neglecting what God has entrusted to us.
As far as redemption draws us back to the original holiness and original justice of our first parents, we likewise should be mindful of the original plan of stewardship of the earth. It is a matter of respect for God’s sacred creation and his will for its use:
CCC 2415: “The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity. Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.”
—Deacon Gerry Flamm
“Dear children! This is the day that the Lord gave me to give Him thanks for each of you, for those who have converted and have accepted my messages and have set out on the way of conversion and holiness. Rejoice, little children, because God is merciful and loves you all with His immeasurable love and leads you to the way of salvation through my coming here. I love you all and give you my Son that He may give you peace. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
