Daily Readings - Sat Nov 07 2020
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
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.