Daily Readings - Fri Nov 07 2025
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
The first reading from Romans and the Gospel from Luke both invite us to reflect on the themes of responsibility, prudence, and trust in God’s providence. In Romans, St. Paul speaks of his missionary work among the Gentiles, emphasizing that his role is not to build on someone else’s foundation but to preach the Gospel where it has not been heard. He humbly acknowledges that his accomplishments are not his own but the work of Christ through him. This passage reminds us that our talents, resources, and opportunities are gifts from God, and we are called to use them wisely for the sake of others and the spread of the Gospel.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest steward, who, upon being dismissed, shrewdly secures his future by reducing the debts of his master’s clients. While the steward’s actions are morally questionable, Jesus praises his prudence, highlighting the lesson that the “sons of this age” often show more cleverness in worldly affairs than the “sons of light” do in spiritual matters. This parable challenges us to think about how we use the resources and opportunities God has given us. Are we as clever and resourceful in managing our spiritual lives as we are in our earthly affairs?
Both readings call us to reflect on our stewardship of God’s gifts. St. Paul’s missionary zeal and the steward’s prudence remind us that we are called to be responsible and wise in how we live our lives. In our daily lives, we are invited to use our talents, time, and resources in a way that honors God and serves others. Let us ask ourselves: Am I using what God has given me to build up the Kingdom of God, or am I squandering these gifts on fleeting worldly concerns? May we strive to be as diligent in our spiritual lives as we are in our earthly pursuits, trusting that God will provide for us as we seek to live faithfully in His service.