The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, September 23, 2001
The Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113:1-2,4-8
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on today's Scripture:
Today's Gospel tells us about a rich man's manager. After dissipating
his employer's property and on the verge of being fired, he cleverly
tries to provide for his future by using his position to win the
esteem and hopefully the solicitude of his master's debtors. In the
final words of this Gospel, Jesus says that no servant can serve two
masters - God and money.
The words seem simple and clear and to many, probably whole-heartedly
true. I would imagine also that many think they have made a choice
between serving God and money and believe they are a steward in God's
service. We are reminded by the many exhortations throughout Sacred
Scripture that we must always be watchful - careful that our hearts
are motivated by pure love of God and neighbor and not subverted by
self-interest.
The Gospel also reminds us that we must be trustworthy in small
things if we are to be trustworthy in things that are great. Virtue,
the "habitual practice and a firm disposition to do good" (Catechism
of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1803) and the grace of a virtuous
life - the practice of fortitude, justice, prudence and temperance
(the cardinal virtues), provide us with a framework for responding in
a trustworthy manner in all circumstances.
Let us pray for the illuminating Light of the Holy Spirit that we
might have correct discernment about our allegiances and the choices
we make. Let true love of God and all humanity, made in His image and
likeness, fire our loyalties, our actions, our prayers. And finally
let us not forget that God stands ready to give us the grace to do
all that is good, in imitation of His beloved Son.
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
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