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| "St. Martin Sharing His Coat" St. Gatien Cathedral, Artist not cited |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27
Commentary on 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 it the writer extols the virtue of members of the community by name, commending them for their work on behalf of the community. In verse 22: “Tertius, the writer of this letter” 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.
CCC: Rom 16:25-27 2641; Rom 16:26 143, 1204, 2087
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11
R. (1b) I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Commentary on Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11
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.
CCC: Ps 145:3 300
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Gospel: Luke 16:9-15
Commentary on Lk 16:9-15
This passage contains the conclusions or morals of the parable of the dishonest steward. “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 as opposed to the teachings.” [4]
The lessons taught to the disciples in the second and third moralizations of that story are, first the need to be faithful in positions of responsibility, and then the inability of a person to serve two masters. “'Abomination': the original Greek word means worship of idols, and, by derivation, the horror this provoked in a true worshiper of God. So the expression conveys God's disgust with the attitude of the Pharisees who, by wanting to be exalted, are putting themselves, like idols, in the place of God.” [5]
CCC: Lk 16:13 2424
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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, especially in matters of material wealth. (The implication is that we should not have to worry about shrewd dealings and duplicity when dealing within the community of faith.)
A second lesson conveyed by the parable is that trust is a matter of character (and should be the hallmark 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.
A final lesson summarizes our understanding of this passage 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 lesson, 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 workplace can challenge and stain the Christian ideal, the goal that all we do must be done for God’s greater glory.
There is an even more treacherous temptation as a result of the pressure to provide well for the family. Not only can we become so focused on the material success, but we are also tempted to 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
[1] The picture is "St. Martin Sharing His Coat" St. Gatien Cathedral, Artist not cited
[4] See NAB footnote on Luke 16:9
[5] “Gospel and Acts” The Navarre Bible, Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin , Ireland
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