Good News Inspiration for Daily Life
Bulletin Insert for September 18, 2022.
Description: Reflection on Luke 16:1-13 for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time explains that if we recognize that our possessions are gifts from God that are meant to enhance his kingdom, we are holy. But if we cling to money and material wealth as if they are meant only for our own benefit, we’ve divided ourselves from God, because God’s Word emphasizes the importance of distributing to others a generous portion of everything we receive.
When acquiring wealth is a higher priority than distributing what we already have, God is not our master. This is true not only with material goods, but with everything else that is good, too. We are all richly blessed one way or another: How readily to do use your riches for the benefit of others?
The “dishonest wealth” of which Jesus speaks is anything that “belongs to another”. When we use other people’s money (for example, taking out a loan from the bank) to our own advantage, we are not being trustworthy stewards unless it also glorifies the kingdom of God. To be holy with affluence, we have to first be trustworthy with the love that belongs to others – the love that God feels for them.
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Ideas for use: Bulletin insert for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, men’s group, parish pastoral council meeting, staff meeting, stewardship program, faith sharing communities, leadership training, RCIA, etc.
