Twenty-Fifth Sunday, September 21, 2025
Amos 8:4-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13
There is a Jewish story about Rabbi Joshua, the son of Levi, and his trip to Rome in the third century. He was astounded to see the magnificence of the buildings, especially the care lavished upon statues which were covered with exquisite cloths to protect them from the summer heat. As he was admiring the beauty of Roman art, a beggar plucked at his sleeve and asked for a crust of bread. The sage looked at the statues and, turning to the beggar in rags, said: “Here are statues of stones covered with expensive clothes, and here is a man created in the image and likeness of God covered with rags. A civilisation that pays more attention to statues than to human beings shall surely perish.”
Telling the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in today’s Gospel, Jesus asks us the same question: What are our statues, our priorities? The poor and powerless, the illiterate, the homeless, the ill?
Today's First Reading from the Book of Amos speaks against greed. The prophet speaks for the poor and the needy. They have only God as their protector. The Israelites were waiting impatiently for the end of the holy days and Sabbaths so that they could proceed with their dishonest practices. In this specific case, the feast of the new moon was taking place. According to the tradition, the first day of the new moon, like the Sabbath, were days of rest. During these celebrations, without exception, no business was to be transacted. There were a couple of things that the Israelites were doing that were drawing the condemnation of the Lord God.
The Gospel today may sound strange. Jesus tells the story of a steward who was caught wasting his master’s property. When he realised he was going to lose his job, he quickly called his master’s debtors and reduced their debts. By doing this, he made friends who would later help him. Surprisingly, the master praised him, not for his dishonesty, but for his cleverness in preparing for the future.
What does this mean for us? Jesus is not telling us to cheat. He is teaching us to be wise and clever in using the things of this world. If a dishonest man can work so hard to secure his future on earth, should we not work even harder for our eternal future with God? Jesus tells us, “You cannot serve both God and money.” Money and possessions are tools. They can help us, but they can never replace God. If we make money our master, we lose our soul. If we use money as our servant, we can do great good.
Jesus also says, “Whoever is faithful in small things will be faithful in great ones.” Many times, we think holiness comes only in big sacrifices or great deeds. But in truth, holiness begins with little acts of honesty, kindness, and faithfulness. A person who cheats in small matters cannot be trusted with greater responsibilities. God watches not only our big actions but also the daily little choices we make.
The readings are clear. God wants us to be faithful, honest, prayerful, and wise in using our gifts. Let us think of some practical steps for our daily life:
Let us be honest in all we do. Whether it is in business, work, or studies, let us not cheat or take advantage of others. Even if no one sees, God sees.
Let us use money for good. Instead of keeping everything for ourselves, let us share with the poor, support the needy, and use our resources for God’s kingdom.
Let us pray for our leaders. Instead of complaining, let us pray for those who guide society, the Church, and our families. Prayer changes hearts.
Let us be faithful in small matters. Keeping promises, being punctual, speaking the truth, respecting others, these little things make us trustworthy before God.
Let us choose God above all. Money, comfort, and success are good, but they are temporary. Only God is eternal. Let us make Him the centre of our lives.
Living as Pilgrims of Hope
Today’s Gospel reminds us that we are pilgrims on this earth. We cannot take our money or possessions with us when we die. What we can carry are our good deeds, our love, and our faith. The dishonest steward prepared for his future life on earth. We must prepare for eternal life with God.
Let us not waste our time or talents. Each of us has been entrusted with gifts, our health, our knowledge, our family, our work. These are like treasures God has given us. One day, He will ask us how we used them. Did we waste them, or did we use them for His glory?
At the end of the Gospel, Jesus gives us a clear choice: “You cannot serve both God and money.” We cannot have two masters. We must choose whom we will serve. Money can be a good servant, but it is a terrible master. God alone can give us true peace and eternal joy. So today, let us ask ourselves: Who is my master, God or money? Where do I place my trust, in possessions or in God’s promises? Am I using my gifts for myself alone, or am I using them for the good of others?
Happy Sunday
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