Daily Readings - Fri Nov 10 2017
First Reading - Romans 15.14-21
Romans
14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:21But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
Gospel - Luke 16.1-8
Luke
1And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.2And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.3Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.4I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.5So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?6And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.7Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.8And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful lessons on responsibility and wisdom. The first reading from Romans highlights Paul's dedication to his mission, spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles with grace and commitment. He emphasizes not building on others' foundations, underscoring the importance of originality and sincerity in our callings. The Gospel, however, presents a more complex scenario through the parable of the unjust steward. This steward, faced with losing his position, cleverly reduces the debts of others to secure their favor, earning praise from his master for his prudence, despite his moral failings.
The context of these readings is rooted in their historical settings. Paul's letter to the Romans is a testament to the early Christian mission, focusing on the responsibility of spreading the Word. The parable in Luke uses a relatable scenario to teach about wisdom and resource management, highlighting the contrast between worldly prudence and spiritual integrity. Both readings emphasize the theme of stewardship—whether of spiritual responsibilities or material resources.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are reminded to be prudent stewards of our talents and resources. Like Paul, we should embrace our unique callings with dedication and integrity. The parable encourages us to think strategically about how we use our resources, not just for immediate gains but for eternal benefits. However, it also cautions us to maintain moral integrity, ensuring that our prudence is guided by ethical principles.
The moral lesson here is clear: wisdom and responsibility go hand in hand. We must manage our resources and talents with foresight, using them to build a legacy that aligns with our values. Let us strive to be wise stewards, not just in our actions but in our character, ensuring that our prudence serves a higher purpose. In doing so, we honor our responsibilities and contribute to a greater good, both in this life and the next.