Saturday, 11 November 2023. Romans 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)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus, commenting on the parable of the dishonest steward, teaches us some lessons concerning money. First, Jesus warns against worshipping money: “No one can have two masters.” Do not turn money into a god. Like any tool, money is meant to be used, not worshipped. Rather than pray to have more money, pray to become more valuable. Money will follow you if there is something you are contributing to society or if there is a problem you are solving for others.
Second, Jesus teaches us that money is transient: “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (Luke 16:11). Jesus describes money as an “unrighteous mammon.” Money is not “true riches” because it does not follow us beyond the grave. Some musicians and other creative artists are dead, yet their works continue to earn money online. They still have money in their names but cannot spend it.
Third, Jesus teaches us to avoid telling lies and other dishonest practices for the sake of money: “He who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much… And if you have not been faithful with that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?”(Luke 16:10-12) Someone once said: “If you lose money, you lose nothing. If you lose friends, you lose something, but if you lose your character (perhaps, in a bid to make money), you have lost everything.” If people cannot trust you with money, what else is left?
Fourth, Jesus teaches us to use money judiciously by giving it away: “Make friends for yourselves using unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations” (Luke 16:9). If you have taken care of your basic needs, sacrifice your wants (luxuries) by showing kindness to those who can never repay you.
Fifth, Jesus teaches us to respect people as human beings rather than based on how much money they have: “For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15). Our society only respects those who have money regardless of how they made it. In Nigeria today, to have a lot of money is to become a hero, a source of inspiration or even a saint. The man of God will readily bow to you if you donate heavily. This is why we have lost our moral values; we now exalt abominations.
Saint of the Day: We remember St. Martin of Tours today. He was born to pagan parents. His father was a Roman military officer. He became a catechumen in his early teens. He joined the Roman imperial army at 15. He was baptised at 18. One day, he encountered a beggar. Having nothing to give but the clothes on his back, Martin cut his heavy officer’s cloak in half and gave it to the beggar. Later, he had a vision of Christ wearing the cloak. After being relieved from the army, he became a Saint Hilary of Poitiers student in France. Martin later became the bishop of Tours in 372 and lived as a hermit. He was the first non-martyr to receive the title of saint.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give me the wisdom to be faithful with money to gain true riches in the future. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop. Bible Study: Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27, Ps. 145:2-5,10-11, Luke 16:9-15).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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