Rom. 16:3-9,16,22-27
Luke 16:9-15
Jesus describes " worldly riches, status and power " as deceitful and dishonest because you cannot rely on them. They are called " Mammon or false God " if we become a slave to them.. They are liable to be lost or they change hands. Whereas " true riches " are the grace and glory and the spiritual gifts which God bestows on us permanently and which can never be taken away from us in heaven. Worldly riches do belong to God and is entrusted to us for the benefit of others. Spiritual riches of grace and glory are from God and we inherit them as God's children and they become our own. Worldly riches are the " small things " and the spiritual riches are the " great things " in the eyes of God. Jesus entrusts us with worldly riches and individual talents and if we are found to wisely use them for the benefit of others and the gospel then he will reward us with the spiritual riches which will eternally remain with us. There are " two strong loves " that can possess us.They are love of the " world " and " self " and the other is love of God and his rule. Both are diametrically opposite and they cannot co-exist in the same heart. Love of God will have to gradually displace love of " self " in our hearts. Then we become more generous with the gifts God has given us and we will be able to bring joy and happiness in the lives of others. There will be true christian fellowship and sharing of each others burdens.This is what we witness in the christian communities of St.Paul as we see in the first reading. If personal wealth is used wisely and unselfishly and generously in helping others, we will be welcome among our friends and more importantly by God in heaven.The choice is ours, whether we wish to serve a faithful God or the deceitful " Mammon ".
God Bless.
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