Daily Readings - Sat Nov 07 2020
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages about trust, gratitude, and the proper use of worldly resources. The first reading from Philippians finds St. Paul expressing deep joy and gratitude for the support he has received from the Philippians. Though he emphasizes that he is content in every situation—whether in abundance or in need—Paul is moved by their generosity. He assures them that their support is not just about meeting his needs but is an act of worship, a sacrifice pleasing to God. He prays that God will fulfill their every need in return. This passage reminds us that our generosity is not just about giving; it is about participating in God’s work and trusting in his providence.
The Gospel from Luke takes a different tone, as Jesus challenges us to think critically about our relationship with material wealth. He tells us to use our resources wisely, making friends who will welcome us into eternal dwellings. This is not about hoarding wealth but about using it to build relationships and serve others. Jesus then emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things, warning that how we handle worldly wealth reveals our character. He concludes with a stark reminder: we cannot serve both God and mammon. The Pharisees, who were consumed by greed, are criticized for justifying themselves before men while neglecting what truly matters to God.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our priorities and trust in God. Paul’s gratitude and contentment show us that true joy comes from trusting in God’s plan, not from material possessions. Jesus’ teachings remind us that our use of wealth is a spiritual matter; it reveals where our hearts lie. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Am I using the resources I have been given to serve God and others? Do I trust in God’s providence, even in times of uncertainty? May we, like the Philippians, learn to give generously and trust fully, knowing that our true treasure lies in heaven.