Valuation Equation

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; PS 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11; Lk 16:9-15
Notes: In today’s gospel, Jesus continues the theme that he preached on in yesterday’s gospel.

• Friday: And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.
• Saturday: Make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth.

Yesterday’s reflection here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/11/05/promissory-note-restored/

Integrity in regards to wealth is a stepping stone on the path of righteousness.
Integrity has two major definitions both of which apply:

1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness (in the use of wealth).
2. the state of being whole and undivided (in the relationship to wealth).

First reading
I always love this first reading selection. Such a broad acknowledgment of all the people of that particular community. A recognition of how we all matter and are contributors to the building of the kingdom of God.

• Prisca – co-worker in Christ Jesus.
• Aquila – co-worker in Christ Jesus.
• Epaenetus – beloved and first fruits.
• Mary – hard worker.
• Andronicus – relative, fellow prisioner, early Christ follower.
• Junia – relative, fellow prisioner, early Christ follower.
• Ampliatus – beloved in the Lord.
• Urbanus – co-worker in Christ.
• Stachy – beloved.
• Tertius – (the writer, scribe).
• Gaius – host.
• Erastus – treasurer.
• Quartus – brother.

Can you too make such a list?
Why not acknowledge those who make the world a better place and bring the gospel message to all?

Responsorial Psalm
I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Alleluia Verse
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Gospel Portion
The person who is trustworthy in very small matters
is also trustworthy in great ones;
and the person who is dishonest in very small matters
is also dishonest in great ones.

Being trustworthy in matters of wealth is a ‘small matter’ with great implications.

If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth,
who will trust you with true wealth?

True wealth – love, friendship, community, divine relation. Who will trust a scoundrel?

If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another,
who will give you what is yours?

How many! How many never know love that is a natural right and natural inclination because they are so untrustworthy!

The Pharisees…sneered at him.

And he said to them,
“You justify yourselves in the sight of others,
but God knows your hearts;
for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.”

This means the choice people make.

No servant can serve two masters.
He will either hate one and love the other,
or be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.”

What do we value?
How do we equate value?

• God is meant for love (love more).
• Money is meant to be just an ordinary tool (love less).

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry