18 September 2016 - matters large and small

[ Today's Readings ]

We are called to use the things of this world prudently and not to squander them. This is because the way we do anything influences the way we do everything.

If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth,
who will trust you with true wealth? 

Rather than hoarding our wealth for ourselves we can use it to help others and ingratiate ourselves to them. We shouldn't hoard wealth when it is insufficient to help us. We need to look at the resources of this world more in terms of what can be done with them than simply having them. There is a long history of war and conflict over such treasure. But when they are used correctly they can help to bring prosperity and peace to many.

When we use our treasure in a way that is consistent with a desire for human fraternity and peace on earth we become more able to pray for those same things sincerely.

First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers,
petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,
for kings and for all in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life
in all devotion and dignity. 

When we hoard and cling even as our ships sink and our houses burn we cannot be trusted to use kingdom authority as it should be used. We can't even use worldly treasure correctly. These readings are a corrective. Let us be prudent in all matters, both large and small.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters
is also trustworthy in great ones;

Everything in our lives should be ordered around the truth.

There is also one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus,
who gave himself as ransom for all.
This was the testimony at the proper time

God wants everyone to know Jesus and be saved. The greatest treasure we have is this knowledge. Let us share it with others so that our master will see us handling even the greatest of treasures prudently. Even more than worldly riches we should not hoard this or keep it to ourselves. Salvation, even more than the steward's stewardship cannot be earned. But the approval of the master is what matters. The prayers of those with whom we share this truth help us to stand firm.

It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray,
lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

We ourselves have nothing. We can't give a good account of the stewardship. Yet the LORD delights to lift up the poor.

Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.