Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 8, 2024
First Reading: Philippians 3.17-21; 4.1
17Be imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who are walking similarly, just as you have seen by our example18For many persons, about whom I have often told you (and now tell you, weeping,) are walking as enemies of the cross of Christ19Their end is destruction; their god is their belly; and their glory is in their shame: for they are immersed in earthly things20But our way of life is in heaven. And from heaven, too, we await the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ21who will transform the body of our lowliness, according to the form of the body of his glory, by means of that power by which he is even able to subject all things to himself
Psalm 122
1A Canticle in steps. I rejoiced in the things that were said to me: "We shall go into the house of the Lord.2Our feet were standing in your courts, O Jerusalem3Jerusalem has been built as a city, whose participation is unto itself4For to that place, the tribes ascended, the tribes of the Lord: the testimony of Israel, to confess to the name of the Lord5For in that place, seats have sat down in judgment, seats above the house of David6Petition for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem, and for abundance for those who love you7Let peace be in your virtue, and abundance in your towers8For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors, I spoke peace about you9For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I sought good things for you
Gospel: Luke 16.1-8
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 powerful messages that guide us in our Christian journey. The first reading from Philippians urges us to stand firm in our faith, imitating the example of Paul and other faithful believers. Paul warns against those who are consumed by earthly desires, reminding us that our true citizenship is in heaven. The second reading, the parable of the dishonest steward from Luke, teaches us about prudence and wisdom in managing the resources entrusted to us. The steward, though unrighteous, acts shrewdly to secure his future, prompting Jesus to encourage us to be as clever in our spiritual lives as we are in worldly matters.
Both readings emphasize the importance of focus and wisdom. Paul cautions against being earthly-minded, while Jesus highlights the need for prudent use of resources. The steward’s actions, though morally questionable, illustrate the kind of foresight we should have in serving God. This connection reminds us that our earthly actions should reflect our heavenly aspirations. Just as the steward used his resources to gain favor, we should use our talents, time, and money to build eternal treasures.
In applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to live with an eternal perspective. We must be wise stewards of all that God has given us, using these gifts to glorify Him and serve others. Let us strive to be as intentional in our spiritual lives as we are in our worldly pursuits, ensuring that our actions today reflect our ultimate goal of heaven. By doing so, we embody the wisdom and faithfulness that both readings inspire, living as children of light in a world that often prioritizes the fleeting over the eternal.