DAILY- HOMILY

November 8, 2014

Saturday 31st Week in Ordinary Time

Phil 4: 10-19 / Ps 112: 1b-2, 5-6, 8a and 9 / Lk 16: 9-15 

Reading: Phil 4: 10-19

I rejoice in the Lord because of your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. I do not say this because of being in want; I have learned to manage with what I have. I know what it is to be in want and what it is to have plenty. I am trained for both: to be hungry or satisfied, to have much or little. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. However you did right in sharing my trials. You Philippians, remember that in the beginning, when we first preached the Gospel, after I left Macedonia you alone opened for me a debit and credit account, and when I was in Thessalonica, twice you sent me what I needed. It is not your gift that I value but rather the interest increasing in your own account. Now I have enough and more than enough with everything Epa-phroditus brought me on your behalf and which I received as "fragrant offerings pleasing to God." God himself will provide you with everything you need, according to his riches, and show you his generosity in Christ Jesus.

Gospel: Luke 16: 9-15 

And so I tell you: use filthy money to make friends for yourselves, so that when it fails, these people may welcome you into the eternal homes. Whoever can be trusted in little things can also be trusted in great ones; whoever is dishonest in slight matters will also be dishonest in greater ones. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling filthy money, who could entrust you with true wealth? And if you have not been trustworthy with things that are not really yours, who will give you the wealth which is your own? No servant can serve two masters. Either he does not like the one and is fond of the other, or he regards one highly and the other with contempt. You cannot give yourself both to God and to Money." The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and sneered at Jesus. He said to them, "You do your best to be considered righteous by people. But God knows the heart, and what rises high among humans is loathed by God.

Reflection:

     Today's gospel reminds is that God is so merciful and generous, that He blesses those who share their gifts with others.  Do not be like the Pharisees, who had no room in their hearts for God, because they valued material security above all else.  The gospel says they were lovers of money.  A heart like theirs crowds out love for God and love for others.  

 Jesus makes clear today that our hearts must either be possessed by God's love or the heart will be possessed by the love of something else. 

     In a society that puts a premium on material wealth, luxury and comfort, what does your heart treasure most?

     While it is natural to want material and financial security, the excessive desire for money is a barrier between man and God.  Did you know that true generosity does not impoverish the giver, but enriches him?   

     Pray to the Lord for the Spirit of generosity- to give freely of your time, talent and treasure- and see how your life will change!

     Lord, teach me to be generous.

     Teach me to serve you as you deserve;

     to give and not to count the cost,

     to fight and not to heed the wounds,

     to toil and not to seek for rest,

     to labor and not to ask for reward,

     save that of knowing that I do your will.

                   - St. Ignatius of Loyola

Prayer Requests:

We pray ...

... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn. 

... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.

... for families who are in need of healing.

... for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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