Homilies | Father Nathan

Father Nathan | Homily

25th Sunday Ordinary Time

Introduction:

Prudence, we may know, is the first of the four cardinal virtues:

• Prudence
• Justice
• Fortitude
• Temperance.

The readings talk about especially the first two virtues – Prudence and Justice.

Today’s readings remind us that we are God’s prudent and humble stewards and that God expects faithful and prudent stewardship from us.

The readings challenge us to use our God-given talents and blessings (like wealth) wisely to attain Heavenly bliss.

Scripture Lessons Summarized:

The First Reading

Amos 8:4-7

In today’s first reading, Amos, “the prophet of social justice”, condemns the crooked business practices of the 8th century BC Jewish merchants of Judea.  He reminds the Israelites and all of us to be faithful to our Covenant with Yahweh, God of Justice.

We need to practice justice and mercy to all, as God’s faithful stewards. Amos warns us also against gaining money by any means, as the goal of our life.

The Responsorial Psalm

Today’s Responsorial Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8

Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.

“God has given us two hands – one to receive with and the other to give with.”

The Second Reading

1 Timothy 2 1-8

In today’s second reading, St. Paul instructs the first century Judeo-Christians to become true stewards of the Gospel of Jesus, the only mediator, by preaching the “Good News” to the pagans and by including them in intercessory prayers, too.

Today’s Gospel

Longer Form Luke 16:1-13 or Short Form Luke 16:10-13

Today’s Gospel story tells us about the crooked but resourceful manager and challenges us to use our blessings — time, talents, health and wealth — wisely and justly so that they will serve us for our good, in eternity.

We use our earthly wealth wisely when we spend it for our own needs in moderation and when we love and help the needy around us, because these are the purposes for which God has entrusted His blessings to us.

Life Messages:

1.  We need to be faithful in the little things of life:

“Faithfulness in little things is a big thing,”

– Saint John Chrysostom

 

“Do little things with great love.”

– St. Theresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa, canonized September 4, 2016 by Pope Francis)

2.  We need to use our spiritual resources wisely.

The manager in Jesus’ story used all his resources to secure his future.

We must be no less resourceful. We have at our disposal

• The Holy Mass
• The Seven Sacraments as sources of Divine grace
• The Holy Bible as the word of God for daily meditation and practice
• The teaching authority of the Spirit-guided Church to direct us in our Christian life.

We need to use these resources in such a way that it will be said of us, “And the master commended them because they acted so prudently.”

3.  We need to be prepared to give an account of our stewardship.

What really matters, at that time of our Private Judgment by God at the moment of our death, is how wisely we have used our blessings during our life, lovingly and generously sharing them with others in need.

“Money is an instrument that can buy everything but happiness and purchase a ticket to every place but Heaven.”

Hence making money should not be the goal of our existence.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.” (Mt. 25:21).

Have a Blessed Week,

Fr. Nathan