Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 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 matters
is also trustworthy in great ones;
and the person who is dishonest in very small matters
is 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.”
Money is fleeting; friends are for life
1. Making friends. Sometimes, having money in our pockets can make us stingy or lead us to flaunt our wealth in a way that belittles others. Jesus invites us today to use our money to do good and strengthen our friendships. Don’t let money trap you within yourself and isolate you. Some people become so focused on work that they stop spending time with friends—they don’t get together to share a drink, watch a game, or enjoy a simple coffee. Friendships need nurturing; don’t let your life become centered only on paying bills. When was the last time you enjoyed quality time with your friends?
2. Be Faithful. God has entrusted you with a precious treasure—your capacity to give of yourself and love wholeheartedly. Every moment of life is filled with opportunities to share love. Being faithful to Jesus’s calling means remembering and caring for your relationship with God. Today, return to your relationship with God. If it’s been a while since you visited the Blessed Sacrament, attended Mass, or simply spoke to God, make time for Him today. God remains faithful and is always ready to welcome you back with open arms.
3. Money. Jesus points out that the scribes were far too attached to money. Don’t let yourself fall in love with wealth—money comes and goes, it’s temporary, but the people who love and support you are not. Cherish life, invest in relationships, and remember that life is a gift meant to be lived fully.
Remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
