Daily Readings - Sat Nov 05 2022
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 are invited to reflect on the themes of gratitude, trust in God’s providence, and the proper use of material goods. The first reading from Philippians expresses Paul’s deep joy and thanksgiving for the support he has received from the Philippians. Despite his own difficulties and uncertainties, Paul emphasizes that he has learned to be content in every situation, whether in abundance or in need. He makes it clear that true strength comes not from material possessions but from trusting in God, who provides everything in abundance. The Philippians’ generosity is not just about meeting Paul’s needs but also about their own spiritual growth, as their support becomes a sacrifice pleasing to God.
The Gospel from Luke presents a very different tone with the parable of the dishonest steward. Jesus challenges us to think critically about how we use material wealth. The steward, though unjust, is commended for his shrewdness in using money to secure his future. Jesus is not condoning dishonesty but is urging us to use our resources wisely and generously, recognizing that they are not ours to hoard but to share. The Pharisees, who were greedy and loved money, are criticized for justifying themselves before others while ignoring God’s judgment. Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve both God and mammon; our hearts must be aligned with what truly matters.
These readings call us to examine our relationship with material goods and our trust in God. Paul’s contentment and gratitude, even in hardship, contrast with the Pharisees’ greed and self-justification. The dishonest steward’s prudence challenges us to use what we have—time, talent, and treasure—to build eternal relationships and to serve others. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we rely on our own resources? Are we using what we have to grow in holiness and to help others, or are we consumed by selfish desires? May we learn to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, knowing that true wealth lies in our relationship with him.