March 21

Ezekiel 36: 8 – 15

Link to Bible verses: Ezekiel 36

Stewardship/Partnership: treat all as vessels of the altar

Benedictine references to stewardship/partnership typically refer to Chapter 31 of The Rule of Benedict, the following sentence in particular, for guidance: “Regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar.” But wait. That was written 1500 years ago and for monasteries. What might this statement look like in the world and in 2026?

The very limited and classic sense of stewardship that imbued my Presbyterian upbringing focused on finances. Yes, financial stewardship is real—possibly more real in recent years than most—and aligning our money with our values is, I think, an often-overlooked dimension of integrity in adulting. But what about the physicality of Benedict’s words in Chapter 31? “Regarding all utensils and goods…”

We need to be stewards of and partners in the care of each other and our world. I’m not sure this is up for debate anymore. As a reminder, read Ezekiel 36:8 – 15 and soak in the joy of creation as a gift. We need each other, and the world needs us, but not in a paternalistic, “I know what’s right for you” kind of way. How might we care for each other, our selves, and our world as the sacred vessels we are? Perhaps an essential first step is to develop awareness around the sacred in our midst. All of creations carries a divine spark. Let us work to see and become partners with that spark in all.

Thank you to Linda Land-Closson for writing our 2026 Lenten Devotions.