Daily Readings - Sat Nov 07 2020
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages about trust, gratitude, and the proper use of worldly resources. The first reading from Philippians finds St. Paul expressing deep joy and gratitude for the support he has received from the Philippians. Though he emphasizes that he is content in every situation—whether in abundance or in need—Paul is moved by their generosity. He assures them that their support is not just about meeting his needs but is an act of worship, a sacrifice pleasing to God. He prays that God will fulfill their every need in return. This passage reminds us that our generosity is not just about giving; it is about participating in God’s work and trusting in his providence.
The Gospel from Luke takes a different tone, as Jesus challenges us to think critically about our relationship with material wealth. He tells us to use our resources wisely, making friends who will welcome us into eternal dwellings. This is not about hoarding wealth but about using it to build relationships and serve others. Jesus then emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things, warning that how we handle worldly wealth reveals our character. He concludes with a stark reminder: we cannot serve both God and mammon. The Pharisees, who were consumed by greed, are criticized for justifying themselves before men while neglecting what truly matters to God.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our priorities and trust in God. Paul’s gratitude and contentment show us that true joy comes from trusting in God’s plan, not from material possessions. Jesus’ teachings remind us that our use of wealth is a spiritual matter; it reveals where our hearts lie. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Am I using the resources I have been given to serve God and others? Do I trust in God’s providence, even in times of uncertainty? May we, like the Philippians, learn to give generously and trust fully, knowing that our true treasure lies in heaven.