A reading of the holy Gospel according to LK 16:9-15
Jesus said to his disciples:“I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth,so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.The person who is trustworthy in very small mattersis also trustworthy in great ones;and the person who is dishonest in very small mattersis also dishonest in great ones.If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth,who will trust you with true wealth?If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another,who will give you what is yours?No servant can serve two masters.He will either hate one and love the other,or be devoted to one and despise the other.You cannot serve God and mammon.”The Pharisees, who loved money,heard all these things and sneered at him.And he said to them,“You justify yourselves in the sight of others,but God knows your hearts;for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.”
REFLECTION
You cannot serve God and mammon.
Possessions and wealth are gifts from God. Some riches can be used to serve God or for personal use. Some wealthy give God the bare minimum; others, distinguish themselves by their generosity. Some act as if God should be thankful to them; others are blessed and happy for their love for God.
Those who belong to God are good servants. Love and peace expand their hearts. They realize that what they give was never theirs, no favors are expected, nor do they act hoping that there will be a reward.
To be rich in the Lord, you don't have to have a bank account, nor live in a big house, nor drive luxury cars. Vacant hearts, bankrupt morals and malicious thoughts make no room for God.
Whether we share with money, compassion, almsgiving and time, we anticipate needs and ask, "How may I help? As long as given from the heart with God in mind, all we do can be great and lasting. As St Paul states in today's reading, "It is not that I am eager for the gift, rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account".
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