Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 16: 9-15
Unjust Money

Brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel invites us to reflect on how we use the material things of this world, especially money. Jesus is not condemning possessions in themselves; He is asking us to see them in their proper place.

First, money is a means, not a goal. It comes and goes, and its real value lies in how it is shared. The danger comes when we make money the centre of our lives—when we invent needs, chase after what we don’t really need, and forget the things that truly matter. Saint Ambrose once said: “The bosoms of the poor, the houses of widows, the mouths of children are the barns which last forever.” Our wealth is not in what we keep, but in what we give away.

Second, Jesus calls us to loyalty. “Whoever is faithful in little is faithful also in much.” Loyalty is not just a feeling; it is a daily choice. God entrusts us with little tasks and small responsibilities, and how we handle them shows if we are ready for greater things. Even in earthly matters, a person is only promoted after proving trustworthy in small duties. So too in eternal life: we will inherit what is truly ours only if we are faithful stewards of what has been lent to us here.

Third, we must decide who our Master is. Jesus is clear: “You cannot serve both God and money.” God does not want part-time disciples. To serve Him is to give Him our whole heart. Divided service is no service at all.

In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees mocked Jesus because they linked wealth with virtue. They arrogantly elevated themselves in front of others, but before God, their arrogance was detestable. Jesus teaches us that the kingdom belongs not to the self-righteous, but to those who prioritise God above everything.

So let us ask: Do we use money as a tool for love, or has it become our master? May we learn to be faithful in small things, generous in sharing, and wholehearted in serving God—our only true treasure.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025