Daily Readings - Fri Nov 10 2023
Romans
14But I am also certain about you, my brothers, that you also have been filled with love, completed with all knowledge, so that you are able to admonish one another15But I have written to you, brothers, more boldly than to the others, as if calling you to mind again, because of the grace which has been given to me from God16so that I may be a minister of Christ Jesus among the Gentiles, sanctifying the Gospel of God, in order that the oblation of the Gentiles may be made acceptable and may be sanctified in the Holy Spirit17Therefore, I have glory in Christ Jesus before God18So I dare not speak of any of those things which Christ does not effect through me, unto the obedience of the Gentiles, in word and deed19with the power of signs and wonders, by power of the Holy Spirit. For in this way, from Jerusalem, throughout its surroundings, as far as Illyricum, I have replenished the Gospel of Christ20And so I have preached this Gospel, not where Christ was known by name, lest I build upon the foundation of another21but just as it was written: "Those to whom he was not announced shall perceive, and those who have not heard shall understand.
Luke
1And he also said to his disciples: "A certain man was wealthy, and he had a steward of his estate. And this man was accused to him of having dissipated his goods2And he called him and said to him: ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship. For you can no longer be my steward.3And the steward said within himself: ‘What shall I do? For my lord is taking the stewardship away from me. I am not strong enough to dig. I am too ashamed to beg4I know what I will do so that, when I have been removed from the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.5And so, calling together each one of his lord’s debtors, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my lord?6So he said, ‘One hundred jars of oil.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your invoice, and quickly, sit down and write fifty.7Next, he said to another, ‘In truth, how much do you owe?’ And he said, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your record books, and write eighty.8And the lord praised the iniquitous steward, in that he had acted prudently. For the sons of this age are more prudent with their generation than are the sons of light
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected messages that invite us to reflect on our roles as stewards and disciples. The first reading from Romans highlights Paul's missionary work among the Gentiles, where he serves as a minister of Christ, boasting not in his own achievements but in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Paul's context is one of spreading the Gospel to those who have not heard it, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and prudent use of his calling.
The Gospel from Luke presents the parable of the dishonest steward, who, upon being dismissed, secures his future by reducing the debts of others. While his actions are morally questionable, the master commends his prudence. Jesus draws a lesson from this, urging the disciples to be as shrewd in managing spiritual resources as the world is with material ones. This parable challenges us to consider how we use our talents, time, and resources in service to God and others.
Both readings converge on the theme of stewardship and responsibility. Paul's dedication to his mission and the steward's calculated actions remind us that our actions have consequences. In our daily lives, we are called to be wise stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This means using our resources to serve others and glorify God, whether through spreading the Gospel or through acts of kindness and prudence.
The moral lesson here is clear: faithfulness and prudence are essential in our Christian journey. Just as the world is diligent in its pursuits, we must be equally diligent in our spiritual lives. Let us strive to use our gifts and opportunities wisely, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to God and His kingdom.