Daily Readings - Sat Nov 05 2022
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 are invited to reflect on the themes of gratitude, trust in God’s providence, and the proper use of material goods. The first reading from Philippians expresses Paul’s deep joy and thanksgiving for the support he has received from the Philippians. Despite his own difficulties and uncertainties, Paul emphasizes that he has learned to be content in every situation, whether in abundance or in need. He makes it clear that true strength comes not from material possessions but from trusting in God, who provides everything in abundance. The Philippians’ generosity is not just about meeting Paul’s needs but also about their own spiritual growth, as their support becomes a sacrifice pleasing to God.
The Gospel from Luke presents a very different tone with the parable of the dishonest steward. Jesus challenges us to think critically about how we use material wealth. The steward, though unjust, is commended for his shrewdness in using money to secure his future. Jesus is not condoning dishonesty but is urging us to use our resources wisely and generously, recognizing that they are not ours to hoard but to share. The Pharisees, who were greedy and loved money, are criticized for justifying themselves before others while ignoring God’s judgment. Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve both God and mammon; our hearts must be aligned with what truly matters.
These readings call us to examine our relationship with material goods and our trust in God. Paul’s contentment and gratitude, even in hardship, contrast with the Pharisees’ greed and self-justification. The dishonest steward’s prudence challenges us to use what we have—time, talent, and treasure—to build eternal relationships and to serve others. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we rely on our own resources? Are we using what we have to grow in holiness and to help others, or are we consumed by selfish desires? May we learn to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, knowing that true wealth lies in our relationship with him.