Daily Readings - Sat Nov 10 2018
Philippians
10Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly, because finally, after some time, your feelings for me have flourished again, just as you formerly felt. For you had been preoccupied11I am not saying this as if out of need. For I have learned that, in whatever state I am, it is sufficient12I know how to be humbled, and I know how to abound. I am prepared for anything, anywhere: either to be full or to be hungry, either to have abundance or to endure scarcity13Everything is possible in him who has strengthened me14Yet truly, you have done well by sharing in my tribulation15But you also know, O Philippians, that at the beginning of the Gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not a single church shared with me in the plan of giving and receiving, except you alone16For you even sent to Thessalonica, once, and then a second time, for what was useful to me17It is not that I am seeking a gift. Instead, I seek the fruit that abounds to your benefit18But I have everything in abundance. I have been filled up, having received from Epaphroditus the things that you sent; this is an odor of sweetness, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God19And may my God fulfill all your desires, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus
Luke
9And so I say to you, make friends for yourself using iniquitous mammon, so that, when you will have passed away, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles10Whoever is faithful in what is least, is also faithful in what is greater. And whoever is unjust in what is small, is also unjust in what is greater11So then, if you have not been faithful with iniquitous mammon, who will trust you with what is true12And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours13No servant is able to serve two lords. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will cling to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.14But the Pharisees, who were greedy, were listening to all these things. And they ridiculed him15And he said to them: "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of men. But God knows your hearts. For what is lifted up by men is an abomination in the sight of God
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of trusting in God’s providence and living with integrity in our use of material goods. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul expresses deep gratitude to the Philippians for their support, emphasizing that true contentment comes from trusting in God’s plan rather than earthly wealth. He humbly acknowledges their generosity but makes it clear that his joy comes not from material comfort but from their spiritual growth and participation in the Gospel mission. This passage highlights the balance between appreciating the blessings of this life while keeping our hearts fixed on eternal treasures.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to think critically about how we use the resources we have. He warns against the dangers of greed and the illusion that wealth can bring true security. The parable of the dishonest steward invites us to reflect on our relationship with material possessions. Jesus teaches that faithfulness in small things is a sign of faithfulness in greater things, and that we cannot serve both God and mammon. The Pharisees, who were consumed by greed, are criticized for their hypocrisy, reminding us that our actions must align with our professed values.
These readings call us to examine our daily lives. How do we use the resources God has given us? Do we trust in His providence, or do we allow anxiety about material security to dominate our lives? The moral lesson is clear: true freedom comes from living with detachment, using our possessions to serve others, and placing our ultimate trust in God. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him, and that our hearts must belong entirely to God.