GOD KNOWS YOUR HEARTS…

Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I but also all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks;
5 greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ.
6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard among you.7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners; they are men of note among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
22 I Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord.23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.24 * Other ancient authorities insert: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages 26 but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith–27 to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Luke 16:9-15

9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations.
10 “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.
11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they scoffed at him.15 But he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

MEDITATION

St PAUL and his fellow apostle Tertius, the scribe of this correspondence, devote some time to reflect upon the meaningful relationships and friendships that were fostered during his travels and rendezvous. Specific men and women who provided; funds, accommodation and showed hospitality, are individually acknowledged and praised for their charitable service to make Christ Jesus known to Gentile and pagan communities! Paul makes special mention of Epaenetus, his first Asian convert to the faith and most importantly, he gives thanks-meaning, that he constantly offers Holy Mass for all these devoted converts who risked their lives to harbour him and make Christ known to the world! 

THE GOSPEL READING: Christ understood that man has a tendency to accumulate riches also refered to as “mammon,” whether it is justly or unjustly acquired. Jesus apply this desirous tendency of man as a parable to point out that those who splurged their stolen or honestly attained riches to make friends, will be remembered and probably assisted the day when they are broke and knock on the door of someone who have benefitted from their charity! 

Christ makes the point that mans objectification of riches and their social standing to win the applause of men with a false appearance of being righteous, does not comport with the Gospel message that calls us to humbleness. Our counter response that ‘God knows [our] hearts’ when our lies, covert actions and sins are brought to light on the day of our judgement will not stand us in good stead! We are called to make friends,seek reconciliation, forgiveness with prayer and Holy Mass intentions for family and friends who have showed us charity with the hope that we all may be healed from sin and become a righteous people.

LET US PRAY:Psalms 145:2-5,10-11
2 Every day I will bless thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.4 One generation shall laud thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.5 On the glorious splendor of thy majesty, and on thy wondrous works, I will meditate.10 All thy works shall give thanks to thee, O LORD, and all thy saints shall bless thee!11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and tell of thy power,

Author. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days