Friday of the Thirty First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Phil. 3:17-4:1 | Ps. 122:1-5 | Lk. 16:1-8
Jesus tells the story of the dishonest servant whose master calls him to task. The servant is shrewd and goes to all the master’s debtors and reduces their debt. This way, he will have friends when the master lets him go. Paul calls the Philippians to imitate him as he imitates Jesus. He is trying to get them to recognize the results of not following Jesus. He reminds them that if they are faithful to Christ, Christ will transform them and prepare a place for them in Heaven. Those who do so, follow what Christ is telling the people in the Gospel. If we are shrewd in the way we live according to the Gospel, then we will certainly be prepared for Heaven. If, however, we are shrewd only in the ways of our world, we will not have stored up treasure for Heaven. The earthly treasure will vanish while the heavenly treasure will not.
What is most important to you? Do you spend any time with God, loving others, doing good deeds? Do you need to change how much time you spend for Christ? Make a resolution to do so and be sure to check up on yourself at the end of the day. God will not be outdone in generosity.