Wealth: A Blessing or a Curse? This age-old question takes center stage in today’s readings, challenging us to rethink our relationship with money. But here's where it gets controversial: Jesus doesn’t condemn wealth itself, but rather the love of wealth. Let’s dive into this paradox and explore what it means for us today.
November 8, 2025: A Call to Faithful Stewardship
Our journey begins with the First Reading from Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27, where Paul sends warm greetings to his fellow laborers in Christ. He acknowledges Prisca and Aquila, who risked their lives for him, and Epaenetus, the first convert in Asia. He praises Mary for her hard work, and Andronicus and Junia, his imprisoned relatives who were apostles before him. These verses paint a vivid picture of a community bound by faith, sacrifice, and mutual support—a stark contrast to the self-serving pursuit of wealth Jesus warns against in the Gospel.
Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11 lifts our hearts in praise, reminding us that God’s greatness is unsearchable and His works are to be proclaimed from generation to generation. This hymn of gratitude shifts our focus from earthly possessions to the eternal splendor of God’s majesty, setting the stage for Jesus’ teachings on wealth.
And this is the part most people miss: In Luke 16:9-15, Jesus doesn’t tell us to shun wealth entirely. Instead, He advises us to use “dishonest wealth” wisely—not to hoard it, but to build relationships that endure beyond this life. But why call it “dishonest wealth”? Jesus is highlighting the fleeting, often unjust nature of material riches. He challenges us: If you can’t be trusted with the temporary, how can you handle the eternal?
The Pharisees, lovers of money, scoff at Jesus’ words. Yet, He exposes their hypocrisy: “What humans value is an abomination to God.” This isn’t just a critique of the Pharisees—it’s a mirror held up to all of us. Are we serving God, or are we slaves to wealth?
St. John Chrysostom drives this point home with his fiery words: “Those who love money become like wild animals, blind to the suffering they cause.” His sermon echoes Jesus’ warning, urging us to see wealth as a gift from God, not a possession to hoard. But here’s the question: If everything we have is a gift, how are we using it? For ourselves, or for God’s purposes?
Reflection:
Today’s readings invite us to examine our hearts. Are we using our resources to build God’s kingdom, or are we letting wealth control us? Jesus’ message is clear: faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater responsibilities. Let’s strive to be wise stewards, using our gifts to serve others and glorify God.
Controversial Question for You: Is it possible to be wealthy and still serve God faithfully? Or does wealth inevitably lead to greed? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
