Philippians 4:10-19, Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 8-9, Luke 16:9-15

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.  2 Cor 8:9


Philippians 4:10-19, Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 8-9, Luke 16:9-15


Philippians 4:10-19

My soul's beloved, here we learn that we ought to be concerned, and to give to the Church and her ministers. They give us their all, it is right that we in turn in grateful recognition provide for their needs in whatever way we can. They are encouraged when we stand in solidarity with them, when they are  experience the warmth of affection it strengthens them and enables them to go on with renewed vigor to serve their flock.

However, like St. Paul we too must know how to be content in times of plenty and in times of want. To learn how to strike a happy balance between abundance and poverty because it is You who provides all the grace and strength we need and strengthens and empowers us when we lean on Him to supply us with all that we require.

My soul's beloved, give me a sensitive, generous, and affectionate disposition towards all who have given up the things of the world in order to serve You and dedicate their lives to the Church. When we support them and give them even so little as a glass of water, You will bless us abundantly. St. Paul says it well when he says all that we give becomes, “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." And You in turn will fully supply whatever we need, in accord with the glorious riches of God in You.

Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 8-9

My soul's beloved, grant me the grace to prefer death to mortal sin. Grant me joy in following Your commandment of love to God and to neighbor. Let Your blessings flow upon my children and their children and all those who will come after them. Through the generations that follow continue to show Your mercy and steadfast love.  Give me generous spirit that does not count the cost but is prepared to give all. Give me a sensitive disposition that is moved by suffering and is ready to move out of my comfort zone in order to meet their needs if only to give a smile or a kind and gentle word. It is in giving that we receive and when we give to our brothers and sisters we give to You. We could never outdo You in generosity and we can be certain that You will reward us in this life and without measure in the next.

Luke 16:9-15

My soul's beloved, today You remind us that wealth and the accumulation of wealth in order to hoard it to provide security for the future, is a sure sign that we have failed to place our trust in You. You are our Provider. The things of the world are given to us so that we in turn share it with those in want and in need. We are only stewards and we will be called to give an account of our stewardship. We are called to make friends with those who have the influence and power that money brings so we in turn can us it for good. If we can be trusted with the things of the world, then You assure us that we will be trusted with the things of heaven. The god of wealth and the God of love are diametrically opposed to each other for one seeks to lord it over others while the the God of love desires that we spend all for the sake of the sake of others. 

You remind us that no one can justify themselves before God, but God who knows us better than we know ourselves and knows our innermost secrets will judge our true motives.