Daily Readings - Fri Nov 08 2024
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our Christian journey. The first reading from Philippians urges us to stand firm in our faith, imitating the example of Paul and other faithful believers. Paul warns against those who are consumed by earthly desires, reminding us that our true citizenship is in heaven. The second reading, the parable of the dishonest steward from Luke, teaches us about prudence and wisdom in managing the resources entrusted to us. The steward, though unrighteous, acts shrewdly to secure his future, prompting Jesus to encourage us to be as clever in our spiritual lives as we are in worldly matters.
Both readings emphasize the importance of focus and wisdom. Paul cautions against being earthly-minded, while Jesus highlights the need for prudent use of resources. The steward’s actions, though morally questionable, illustrate the kind of foresight we should have in serving God. This connection reminds us that our earthly actions should reflect our heavenly aspirations. Just as the steward used his resources to gain favor, we should use our talents, time, and money to build eternal treasures.
In applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to live with an eternal perspective. We must be wise stewards of all that God has given us, using these gifts to glorify Him and serve others. Let us strive to be as intentional in our spiritual lives as we are in our worldly pursuits, ensuring that our actions today reflect our ultimate goal of heaven. By doing so, we embody the wisdom and faithfulness that both readings inspire, living as children of light in a world that often prioritizes the fleeting over the eternal.