Additional Information about Saint Leo the Great[1]
Readings for the Memorial of Saint Leo the Great[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27
This selection from the last chapter of St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is part of what is known as “Letter of Recommendations to Phoebe”. It was probably sent to the Church in Ephesus as opposed to Rome. In verse 22 the “Tertius, the writer of this letter” mentioned is St. Paul’s scribe.
The selection concludes with a doxology or short hymn to the Lord that concludes the letter (both the selection and the whole letter to the Romans) in praise of Christ Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise. This singer, in these strophes, pours out his heart to God whose greatness is unknowable and who, through his creation, has demonstrated majesty beyond any human undertaking.
Gospel Lk 16:9-15
This passage contains the conclusions or morals of the parable of the dishonest steward. The explanation of the first conclusion in this selection is handled well by the footnote from the NAB: “Dishonest wealth: literally, "mammon of iniquity." Mammon is the Greek transliteration of a Hebrew or Aramaic word that is usually explained as meaning "that in which one trusts." The characterization of this wealth as dishonest expresses a tendency of wealth to lead one to dishonesty. Eternal dwellings: or, "eternal tents," i.e., heaven. his opposed to the teachings.”
The lesson taught to the disciples in the second and third morals of that story are first the need to be faithful to positions of responsibility and finally the inability of a person to serve two masters.
Reflection:
The story in the parable of the dishonest steward, for which today’s Gospel was the conclusion, demonstrates that caution must be exercised when dealing with those in the secular world in maters of material wealth. (The implication is that we should not have to worry about that when dealing within the community of faith.)
The second conclusion is that trust is a matter of character (and should be the hall mark of Christian character). If a person is trustworthy, they may be trusted in large or small matters, temptation will not dissuade them from their honest and faithful trust. If, on the other hand, a person is not trustworthy even small trusts will be violated.
The final conclusion summarizes the lesson today. One may not serve two masters, God and wealth. If our prize is eternal life then our eyes must be fixed firmly on God. Yes, we use the gifts he has given us to make our way in the world. We also make sure that our brothers and sisters are helped along the way. But our efforts are for God’s glory not for the sake of accumulating wealth. Wealth is its own prize and the rewards end with this life.
That final one – we cannot serve two masters is often difficult for those of us who live in the secular world. We need to make a living to support ourselves and our families and frequently the demands of the work place can challenge our attitudes that all we do must be done for God’s greater glory.
There is a more treacherous temptation as a result of the pressure to provide well for the family. Not only can we become so focused on the “almighty dollar” (that puts it in perspective doesn’t it) but we are tempted to either cut corners so we can complete our assigned tasks more quickly or find alternate, less honest ways of bringing financial security.
Sometimes the hardest thing we do as disciples is take the time to do our jobs well, even at the expense of time we know we should be spending on pursuits that would build us up spiritually or be better for our family relationships.
We have a good reminder of a very practical aspect of Christian values today. Let us pray that our efforts reveal God’s glory and our own wealth help those in need. Let us remember that in all things we are children of the light and greed has no place with us.
Pax
Pray for Phoebe.
[1] The icon used today is St. Leo the Great, Artist and Date UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
Readings for the Memorial of Saint Leo the Great[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27
This selection from the last chapter of St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans is part of what is known as “Letter of Recommendations to Phoebe”. It was probably sent to the Church in Ephesus as opposed to Rome. In verse 22 the “Tertius, the writer of this letter” mentioned is St. Paul’s scribe.
The selection concludes with a doxology or short hymn to the Lord that concludes the letter (both the selection and the whole letter to the Romans) in praise of Christ Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise. This singer, in these strophes, pours out his heart to God whose greatness is unknowable and who, through his creation, has demonstrated majesty beyond any human undertaking.
Gospel Lk 16:9-15
This passage contains the conclusions or morals of the parable of the dishonest steward. The explanation of the first conclusion in this selection is handled well by the footnote from the NAB: “Dishonest wealth: literally, "mammon of iniquity." Mammon is the Greek transliteration of a Hebrew or Aramaic word that is usually explained as meaning "that in which one trusts." The characterization of this wealth as dishonest expresses a tendency of wealth to lead one to dishonesty. Eternal dwellings: or, "eternal tents," i.e., heaven. his opposed to the teachings.”
The lesson taught to the disciples in the second and third morals of that story are first the need to be faithful to positions of responsibility and finally the inability of a person to serve two masters.
Reflection:
The story in the parable of the dishonest steward, for which today’s Gospel was the conclusion, demonstrates that caution must be exercised when dealing with those in the secular world in maters of material wealth. (The implication is that we should not have to worry about that when dealing within the community of faith.)
The second conclusion is that trust is a matter of character (and should be the hall mark of Christian character). If a person is trustworthy, they may be trusted in large or small matters, temptation will not dissuade them from their honest and faithful trust. If, on the other hand, a person is not trustworthy even small trusts will be violated.
The final conclusion summarizes the lesson today. One may not serve two masters, God and wealth. If our prize is eternal life then our eyes must be fixed firmly on God. Yes, we use the gifts he has given us to make our way in the world. We also make sure that our brothers and sisters are helped along the way. But our efforts are for God’s glory not for the sake of accumulating wealth. Wealth is its own prize and the rewards end with this life.
That final one – we cannot serve two masters is often difficult for those of us who live in the secular world. We need to make a living to support ourselves and our families and frequently the demands of the work place can challenge our attitudes that all we do must be done for God’s greater glory.
There is a more treacherous temptation as a result of the pressure to provide well for the family. Not only can we become so focused on the “almighty dollar” (that puts it in perspective doesn’t it) but we are tempted to either cut corners so we can complete our assigned tasks more quickly or find alternate, less honest ways of bringing financial security.
Sometimes the hardest thing we do as disciples is take the time to do our jobs well, even at the expense of time we know we should be spending on pursuits that would build us up spiritually or be better for our family relationships.
We have a good reminder of a very practical aspect of Christian values today. Let us pray that our efforts reveal God’s glory and our own wealth help those in need. Let us remember that in all things we are children of the light and greed has no place with us.
Pax
Pray for Phoebe.
[1] The icon used today is St. Leo the Great, Artist and Date UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
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