Daily Readings - Sat Nov 05 2022
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 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.