How can we measure success in our stewardship efforts? In today’s culture success is often assumed by our worldly possessions. However, the success of anything can only be measured if there is an end goal. St. Teresa of Calcutta told her official biographer that "we are called upon not to be successful, but to be faithful" (Mother Teresa to Navin Chawla). St. Teresa’s life is a wonderful example of stewardship. We can all agree that our ultimate goal as faithful Catholic stewards is sainthood … Heaven! Faithfulness is obviously the path to Heaven. Therefore, only God can be the judge of true success. Too often we put the possessions in our life above God. While possessions may be sentimental or bring us temporary comfort or joy, they cannot help us get to Heaven. St. Matthew reminds us of this in his Gospel when he says, “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24) In the wake of two tragic hurricanes, we are reminded how quickly our possessions can be taken away. The images of communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton are heartbreaking. Homes were destroyed and families were left with little to nothing. While many tragically lost loved ones, those who didn’t consider themselves blessed. Faith in God is what gives many hurricane victims hope. In times like these, we see many examples of good stewards showing their love for their neighbor. While needs are always present, sometimes it takes tragedy to lead us to compassionate concern for the needs of others. After all, stewardship is a Christian tradition of having faith in the Lord. Faith drives us away from fear and draws us to trust God in all things. Faith is what gives us the courage to use our gifts and talents. St. Teresa modeled this in her life as a faithful Christian steward as she humbly committed her life to serving the needs of those in greatest need. “But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). We are called to be faithful in our efforts to be good stewards of the gifts God gave us. St. Teresa understood the assignment. — Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.