Daily Readings - Sat Nov 07 2020
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages about trust, gratitude, and the proper use of worldly resources. The first reading from Philippians finds St. Paul expressing deep joy and gratitude for the support he has received from the Philippians. Though he emphasizes that he is content in every situation—whether in abundance or in need—Paul is moved by their generosity. He assures them that their support is not just about meeting his needs but is an act of worship, a sacrifice pleasing to God. He prays that God will fulfill their every need in return. This passage reminds us that our generosity is not just about giving; it is about participating in God’s work and trusting in his providence.
The Gospel from Luke takes a different tone, as Jesus challenges us to think critically about our relationship with material wealth. He tells us to use our resources wisely, making friends who will welcome us into eternal dwellings. This is not about hoarding wealth but about using it to build relationships and serve others. Jesus then emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things, warning that how we handle worldly wealth reveals our character. He concludes with a stark reminder: we cannot serve both God and mammon. The Pharisees, who were consumed by greed, are criticized for justifying themselves before men while neglecting what truly matters to God.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our priorities and trust in God. Paul’s gratitude and contentment show us that true joy comes from trusting in God’s plan, not from material possessions. Jesus’ teachings remind us that our use of wealth is a spiritual matter; it reveals where our hearts lie. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Am I using the resources I have been given to serve God and others? Do I trust in God’s providence, even in times of uncertainty? May we, like the Philippians, learn to give generously and trust fully, knowing that our true treasure lies in heaven.