Daily Readings - Sat Nov 10 2018
Philippians
10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Luke
9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall 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 else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.14And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of trusting in God’s providence and living with integrity in our use of material goods. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul expresses deep gratitude to the Philippians for their support, emphasizing that true contentment comes from trusting in God’s plan rather than earthly wealth. He humbly acknowledges their generosity but makes it clear that his joy comes not from material comfort but from their spiritual growth and participation in the Gospel mission. This passage highlights the balance between appreciating the blessings of this life while keeping our hearts fixed on eternal treasures.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to think critically about how we use the resources we have. He warns against the dangers of greed and the illusion that wealth can bring true security. The parable of the dishonest steward invites us to reflect on our relationship with material possessions. Jesus teaches that faithfulness in small things is a sign of faithfulness in greater things, and that we cannot serve both God and mammon. The Pharisees, who were consumed by greed, are criticized for their hypocrisy, reminding us that our actions must align with our professed values.
These readings call us to examine our daily lives. How do we use the resources God has given us? Do we trust in His providence, or do we allow anxiety about material security to dominate our lives? The moral lesson is clear: true freedom comes from living with detachment, using our possessions to serve others, and placing our ultimate trust in God. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him, and that our hearts must belong entirely to God.