Daily Readings - Fri Nov 06 2020
Philippians
17Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.18For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.20But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,21who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Luke
1He also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions.2And he called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.'3And the manager said to himself, 'What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.4I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.'5So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'6He said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.'7Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' He said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'8The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on how we live our lives in light of our ultimate destiny. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul urges us to stand firm in our faith and to imitate those who live according to the Gospel. He warns against being consumed by earthly desires and reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven, where we await the return of Christ, who will transform our bodies and make them glorious like his own. This passage calls us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven while navigating the challenges of this world.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest steward, who, when faced with losing his position, cleverly secures his future by reducing the debts of his master’s clients. While the steward’s actions are morally questionable, Jesus praises his prudence and resourcefulness. The parable challenges us to think about how we use the resources and talents entrusted to us. Just as the steward used his worldly wisdom to secure his future, we are called to use our gifts wisely to build up treasures in heaven.
These readings remind us that our lives must be lived with purpose and integrity. While we are in this world, we must not be enslaved by its fleeting attractions. Instead, we should use our time, talents, and resources to serve God and others, knowing that our ultimate reward lies in heaven. Let us strive to be prudent and faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, using these gifts to build a life that reflects our citizenship in heaven. May we live in such a way that when our time on earth is over, we will be welcomed into the eternal life that Christ has prepared for us.