Daily Readings - Sat Nov 05 2022
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 are invited to reflect on the themes of gratitude, trust in God’s providence, and the proper use of material goods. The first reading from Philippians expresses Paul’s deep joy and thanksgiving for the support he has received from the Philippians. Despite his own difficulties and uncertainties, Paul emphasizes that he has learned to be content in every situation, whether in abundance or in need. He makes it clear that true strength comes not from material possessions but from trusting in God, who provides everything in abundance. The Philippians’ generosity is not just about meeting Paul’s needs but also about their own spiritual growth, as their support becomes a sacrifice pleasing to God.
The Gospel from Luke presents a very different tone with the parable of the dishonest steward. Jesus challenges us to think critically about how we use material wealth. The steward, though unjust, is commended for his shrewdness in using money to secure his future. Jesus is not condoning dishonesty but is urging us to use our resources wisely and generously, recognizing that they are not ours to hoard but to share. The Pharisees, who were greedy and loved money, are criticized for justifying themselves before others while ignoring God’s judgment. Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve both God and mammon; our hearts must be aligned with what truly matters.
These readings call us to examine our relationship with material goods and our trust in God. Paul’s contentment and gratitude, even in hardship, contrast with the Pharisees’ greed and self-justification. The dishonest steward’s prudence challenges us to use what we have—time, talent, and treasure—to build eternal relationships and to serve others. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we rely on our own resources? Are we using what we have to grow in holiness and to help others, or are we consumed by selfish desires? May we learn to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, knowing that true wealth lies in our relationship with him.