Daily Readings - Sat Nov 10 2018
Philippians
10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.14Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.15And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.16Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.18I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Luke
9And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.10"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.11If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?12And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?13No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."14The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.15And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of trusting in God’s providence and living with integrity in our use of material goods. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul expresses deep gratitude to the Philippians for their support, emphasizing that true contentment comes from trusting in God’s plan rather than earthly wealth. He humbly acknowledges their generosity but makes it clear that his joy comes not from material comfort but from their spiritual growth and participation in the Gospel mission. This passage highlights the balance between appreciating the blessings of this life while keeping our hearts fixed on eternal treasures.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to think critically about how we use the resources we have. He warns against the dangers of greed and the illusion that wealth can bring true security. The parable of the dishonest steward invites us to reflect on our relationship with material possessions. Jesus teaches that faithfulness in small things is a sign of faithfulness in greater things, and that we cannot serve both God and mammon. The Pharisees, who were consumed by greed, are criticized for their hypocrisy, reminding us that our actions must align with our professed values.
These readings call us to examine our daily lives. How do we use the resources God has given us? Do we trust in His providence, or do we allow anxiety about material security to dominate our lives? The moral lesson is clear: true freedom comes from living with detachment, using our possessions to serve others, and placing our ultimate trust in God. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him, and that our hearts must belong entirely to God.