Daily Readings - Fri Nov 06 2020
Philippians
17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.18For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on how we live our lives in light of our ultimate destiny. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul urges us to stand firm in our faith and to imitate those who live according to the Gospel. He warns against being consumed by earthly desires and reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven, where we await the return of Christ, who will transform our bodies and make them glorious like his own. This passage calls us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven while navigating the challenges of this world.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest steward, who, when faced with losing his position, cleverly secures his future by reducing the debts of his master’s clients. While the steward’s actions are morally questionable, Jesus praises his prudence and resourcefulness. The parable challenges us to think about how we use the resources and talents entrusted to us. Just as the steward used his worldly wisdom to secure his future, we are called to use our gifts wisely to build up treasures in heaven.
These readings remind us that our lives must be lived with purpose and integrity. While we are in this world, we must not be enslaved by its fleeting attractions. Instead, we should use our time, talents, and resources to serve God and others, knowing that our ultimate reward lies in heaven. Let us strive to be prudent and faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, using these gifts to build a life that reflects our citizenship in heaven. May we live in such a way that when our time on earth is over, we will be welcomed into the eternal life that Christ has prepared for us.