Daily Readings - Fri Nov 10 2023
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.
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 distinct yet interconnected messages that invite us to reflect on our roles as stewards and disciples. The first reading from Romans highlights Paul's missionary work among the Gentiles, where he serves as a minister of Christ, boasting not in his own achievements but in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Paul's context is one of spreading the Gospel to those who have not heard it, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and prudent use of his calling.
The Gospel from Luke presents the parable of the dishonest steward, who, upon being dismissed, secures his future by reducing the debts of others. While his actions are morally questionable, the master commends his prudence. Jesus draws a lesson from this, urging the disciples to be as shrewd in managing spiritual resources as the world is with material ones. This parable challenges us to consider how we use our talents, time, and resources in service to God and others.
Both readings converge on the theme of stewardship and responsibility. Paul's dedication to his mission and the steward's calculated actions remind us that our actions have consequences. In our daily lives, we are called to be wise stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This means using our resources to serve others and glorify God, whether through spreading the Gospel or through acts of kindness and prudence.
The moral lesson here is clear: faithfulness and prudence are essential in our Christian journey. Just as the world is diligent in its pursuits, we must be equally diligent in our spiritual lives. Let us strive to use our gifts and opportunities wisely, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to God and His kingdom.