Learn to Be Faithful With Money

Saturday 6th November 2021. Read: 16:3-9,16,22-27, Ps. 145:2-5,10-11& Luke 16:9-15 

“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (Luke 16:11)

Our Gospel passage today is a continuation of that of yesterday. Jesus teaches us some lessons about money. First, Jesus warns us about worshipping money. For instance, a Christian who steals or diverts public funds into his personal accounts only to go to Church for thanksgiving only worships money. God is not moved by such. Jesus says: “no one can have two masters.”

The second lesson we learn from Jesus is that money is transient. We all came to meet money in this world and we shall leave it behind. In truth, money can never belong to us. The money in your account right now does not belong to you. “And if you have not been faithful with that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?”(Luke 16:12).

Jesus once picked a coin and asked whose inscription is on it and the people responded: “Caesar’s.” Jesus then said: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Nevertheless, even Caesar cannot spend a dime from the grave now. This should teach us to simply USE money rather than WORSHIP it.

The third lesson from Jesus is that money is not true riches. Jesus said: “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (Luke 16:11). Having money does not make you rich. Jesus asked: “What does it profit to gain the world and yet lose your soul?” (Mark 8:36). To be rich is to enter heaven.

Now you may wonder: “What does it mean to be faithful with money (unrighteous mammon)? It is acting like that wise and faithful steward whom his master placed over his household to give them their food at the proper time. Blessed is that servant whom his master would find so doing upon his arrival. (Cf. Matthew 24:45-46, Luke 12:42-43). 

Being faithful with money begins with the realization that you are just a steward over all the money at your disposal now. The money is not yours. It has only been placed in your hands for a brief period of time so that you can give it out; so that you can help those that do not have; feed the hungry, clothe the naked, treat the sick and aged etc. 

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to be faithful money that I may gain true riches in the life to come. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 31 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27, Ps. 145:2-5,10-11& Luke 16:9-15).