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First Reading: Philippians 4:10-19
Brothers and sisters:
I rejoice greatly in the Lord
that now at last you revived your concern for me.
You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity.
Not that I say this because of need,
for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself,
to be self-sufficient.
I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances;
I know also how to live with abundance.
In every circumstance and in all things
I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry,
of living in abundance and of being in need.
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.
You Philippians indeed know that at the beginning of the Gospel,
when I left Macedonia,
not a single church shared with me
in an account of giving and receiving, except you alone.
For even when I was at Thessalonica
you sent me something for my needs,
not only once but more than once.
It is not that I am eager for the gift;
rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account.
I have received full payment and I abound.
I am very well supplied because of what I received from you
through Epaphroditus,
“a fragrant aroma,” an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
My God will fully supply whatever you need,
in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a and 9
R./ Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or: Alleluia.
Blessed the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R./ Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or: Alleluia.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R./ Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or: Alleluia.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R./ Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or: Alleluia.
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."
ST. LEO THE GREAT, Pope and Church Doctor
Memorial
November 10
Introduction
At the occasion of the feast of a Pope(+461) who understood his time and who is therefore one of the two popes called "the great," we reflect for a moment on the task and service of leadership in the Church. Serving, witnessing, collegiality among the leaders and with priests and the laity, seeking together to translate the Gospel in a language our time understands-these seem to be the key demands made today on the leadership of the Church.
Opening Prayer
Father in heaven,
you have revealed to us
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
At this celebration of St. Leo the Great, we ask you:
Give us a great understanding
and trust in the leadership of the Church,
that together with the pope and our bishops,
we may strengthen the community
of the faithful of your Church
and bear witness with them to the world
of your saving mercy and love.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
we profess that Jesus, your living Son,
will be present among us
in these signs of bread and wine.
Let him strengthen us with his Spirit
to follow him wherever he leads us,
even through pain and death,
that with him we may share
in your glory and lasting joy.
For he is our Lord for ever.
Prayer after Communion
God of power and might,
your Son, Jesus Christ, has come among us
without any display of power
but rather as the humble servant
of his brothers and sisters.
Let those who bear in the Church
the burden of authority
become more like your Son.
Unconcerned about power and prestige,
may they reflect the attitude of Jesus,
who came not to be served but to serve.
Let this be their way
to Christ Jesus, our Lord.
