Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 31st Week in Ordinary time – Saturday – Luke 16:9-15

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Saturday of the 31st Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 16:9-15.

After presenting to His disciples the Parable of the Dishonest Steward to demonstrate the deplorable lengths that unrighteous men will go to prosper in the world and the terrible consequences of dishonesty, Christ describes the proper relationship that men who aspire to Heaven must have with wealth.

Christ begins by asserting that disciples must “make friends…by unrighteous mammon (wealth)” to be be received into “eternal habitations” (Heaven). In contrast to the self-serving corruption of the Dishonest Steward, Christ directs His disciples towards almsgiving to the poor (“make friends”) which is the only use of “unrighteous mammon” that would merit consideration about one’s entry into Heaven.

Christ explains that men must strive to be holy in the details of daily life; faith or dishonesty in small things add up to make men faithful or dishonest in large things. He reveals that men who sin (dishonesty in worldly things) can not be trusted with the riches of the Kingdom (true riches). Ultimately, men must choose to serve the master of the world (i.e. mammon, meaning “trusting in wealth”) or the ultimate Master, God; there is no middle ground, for men are not capable of doing both.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ speaks authoritatively about God sees through and condemns the schemes of dishonest men.  Divine Teacher, Christ explains the impact of sinful behavior and faith in ways that men can comprehend. Divine King, referring to the Spiritual Combat, He reveals that men must choose between serving God and the world.  Divine Judge, Christ eludes to God’s judgment and punishment of the sinful.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) We live in a time where all kinds of sinful behavior is justified or even pridefully celebrated. Somberly consider Christ’s dire warning that what men sinfully justify is an “abomination” (loathed, is disgusting) to God.

2) As Christ offers the warning, “You cannot serve God and mammon”, He is revealing the choice that each man must make. Reflect upon the Choice (CCC 546, 1033, 1470, 1696, 1733, 1970, 2562) and pray for Christ to help choose each day to make Him your master and to serve Him only.

30 The pursuit of wealth consumes modern men as they work to amass money for possessions (new cars, big houses, toys), experiences (luxury vacations) and “security” (retirement accounts to finance 25 years of playing golf). Reflect upon the Desire for Mammon (CCC 2113, 2424, 2445, 2547) and pray for Christ to help turn away from your attachment and dependence on money.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Blessed Virgin Mary

Virtue of the Day – Hope

Corporal Work of Mercy – To bury the dead

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To pray for the living and the dead