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First Reading: Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27
Brothers and sisters:
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who
risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I am grateful
but also all the churches of the Gentiles; greet also the Church
at their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the
firstfruits in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked hard
for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my
fellow prisoners; they are prominent among the Apostles and
they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved
in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my
beloved Stachys. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the
churches of Christ greet you.
I, Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole Church, greets you.
Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my Gospel
and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested
through the prophetic writings and, according to the command
of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about
the obedience of faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus
Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:2–3, 4 – 5, 10–11
R./ I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R./ I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R./ I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R./ I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Gospel Reading: Lk 16:9-15
Jesus said to his disciples, "And so I tell you: use filthy money to make friends for yourselves, so that when it fails, these people may welcome you into the eternal homes.
"Whoever can be trusted in little things can also be trusted in great ones; whoever is dishonest in slight matters will also be dishonest in greater ones. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling filthy money, who could entrust you with true wealth? And if you have not been trustworthy with things that are not really yours, who will give you the wealth which is your own?
"No servant can serve two masters. Either he does not like the one and is fond of the other, or he regards one highly and the other with contempt. You cannot give yourself both to God and to Money."
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and sneered at Jesus. He said to them, "You do your best to be considered righteous by people. But God knows the heart, and what rises high among humans is loathed by God."
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
you tell us today through your Son
that we cannot be at the same time
your friends and the friends of money.
Make us see more deeply
that we are money’s friends
when we are unjust to others
or tolerate injustice by our silence.
But make us also more deeply aware
that we are your friends when we value simple living,
when we are not greedy for money or social status,
but when we invest in people
and use your gifts for serving them
and building up your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading Introduction
Paul concludes his letter to the Romans with various greetings and a hymn of praise to God.
Gospel Introduction
After the Lord’s parable on the unjust steward, Luke adds several statements from various sources, some allegorical reflections of the early Christian communities, some his own comments, all rather remotely related to the parable. Behind these lies his attitude toward poverty and the use of the goods of this earth.
General Intercessions
– That governments may not promote or allow, for paying national debts or private gain, the destruction or plunder of natural resources, like forests that are the pride and riches of the nation, we pray:
– That our families may promote sober living, we pray:
– That parents may teach their children that there are higher values than money and possessions, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God, you break for us here
the bread that satisfies the poor
and pour for us the wine of joy
of Jesus your Son.
With him, and by the wisdom and strength
of his Holy Spirit,
may we place ourselves and all our gifts and creativity
in the service of people,
that your kingdom may grow
in us and among all people
and by your grace stand for ever.
Prayer after Communion
Almighty, all-rich God,
what you create you give away
and entrust it to us.
We try to keep riches and power
firmly in our own hands.
We thank you that you are different,
generous and unobtrusive,
hidden behind your gifts.
Teach us that we do not become smaller
when we make one another great
nor poorer if others are well-off.
Let us be of the mentality of him
who gave up power and might for our sakes,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blessing
Jesus wants us to be thankful for God’s gifts by acting responsibly with what we have, and that includes sharing. After all, we have been given much. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
