Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Scripture Readings

Reflection on Scripture

Today, the Scriptures continue our learning with how we should handle wealth. The handling of wealth begins with a mind set, not about wealth, but we really believe.

The Son of God took on our human form, lived among us and taught us how to have a relationship with God the Father. He suffered and died on a cross and rose on the third day. He is now seated at the right hand of God the Father constantly interceding for us. Jesus has prepared a dwelling for us in the eternal kingdom and promised us eternal life.

I am not stating anything you have not heard in the past. On the contrary, you may have heard it too often and after a while we become complacent with the message. So it is good to review the Creed we recite each Sunday and renew our devotion to the devout life here on earth that leads to eternal life in heaven.

Everything we receive is a gift from God including our life. So, everything we have was not earned on our merits or efforts but was given freely by Almighty God to whomever He choose to share in these earthly riches. Because they were freely given, then the gifts should also be freely given to assist the poor and needy and to care for earthly needs of the Body of Christ.

What gifts have we received? Besides material things, we are blessed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and these gifts are not to be horded and kept for ourselves but shared with the community of believers.

When you have good fortune, how do you handle it? Non-believers look at they can use it for their own pleasure and fulfillment of desires. The believer celebrates by praising God and with a joyful heart becomes a joyful giver.

Our nation and our world are in danger of global chaos and disorder as many follow their natural instincts to think they need more, must have more, and are entitled to more. This attitude threatens our civility and will lead to a dehumanization of the human race. This attitude will be the false god of the present age and lead to destruction of humanity.

Center yourself on how you spend your time and your money and what you really desire. Let God always be at the forefront of this equation and always seek first the kingdom of God and all thing we need will be provided for.

God bless you,

Deacon Phil