Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 31st Week in Ordinary time – Saturday – 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) 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 on Christ’s  revelation that a man can not serve God and mammon.

2) The modern world urges men to be the “masters of their destiny”, to be independent and self-assertive. Pray for Christ to help you realize the need to be “poor in spirit” and to be a humble “servant” in the service to Him.

3) In the overwhelming urgency of the world, men can live as if the world is the only reality. Pray that Christ make the ultimate reality of Heaven and Hell top-of-mind for you and to help you grow in holiness each day.

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