HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 31ST WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II/How do you utilize your resources?

Homily for Saturday of the 31st week in the ordinary time. year II

Philippians' 4:10-19; Luke 16:9-15

Theme: How do you utilize your resources?

The gospel reading of today is a continuation of that of yesterday. Jesus told his disciples a story in which a dishonest steward is praised for being astute. Today, Jesus continues to draw out virtues that are worthy of emulation from the action of the steward namely: using unrighteous mammon to make friends for yourselves.

The premises on which this is built is the fact that mammon will not last forever and that there are things greater and of more value than mammon. Money is nothing compared to companionship both with God and with fellow humans. So as the steward used the money at his disposal to build human relationship, it is something commendable.

Now, the one way money can enhance relationship is when it is used as instrument of charity. So when Jesus asked that we make friends with unrighteous mammon, he is invariably asking us to do good with the material things at our disposal. This means that it is utter foolishness to use our goods for personal needs only without consideration for the needs of those around us.

No one is too poor that he/she does not have something to give; and no one is too rich that he/she cannot receive from another. Jesus further admonished that no one can serve two masters. What you serve governs what you do and say. If one serves money, he/she will always be motivated by greed. Such a person will surely make friends with unrighteous mammon.

Beloved, what you have and are today may not always be yours. Do not just glory in the extent of power you wield but in the number of lives you are able to touch and transform. It is easier to live without money than without companionship.

Have a fruitful day!