Bible Diary

Daily Reading

Saturday in Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

LECTIONARY
490

FIRST READING

Phil 4:10-19

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

PSALM

PS 112:1B-2, 5-6, 8A AND 9

Response:Blessed the man who fears the Lord

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.

His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.

GOSPEL

Lk 16:9-15

And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for 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 God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

Daily Reflection

We need to be realistic; we live in a world in which money plays a powerful role, yet we must understand that worldly currency cannot buy heaven. Its value is limited when it comes to everlasting life.

So, recognising its limits and using it wisely would be the right way forward. Having wealth and possessions come with responsibility; its use is a test of character, values and stewardship. Faithfulness in the stewardship of money – a ‘little thing’ in comparison with the true riches that God offers – will prepare us for greater things, viz. our relationship with others and with God. If we are bad stewards of the wealth we enjoy, allowing money to be our master, then we are shutting God out of our lives. This is why Jesus warns us so strongly.

Given the overwhelming influences that we face today, which ‘master’ will we choose? Actually, the question is a no-brainer. The obvious choice should be God.