Daily Readings - Sat Nov 10 2018
Philippians
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Luke
9I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?13"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.15He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.
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.