Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": Nov. 7

There are many "enemies of the Cross," with "strokes of Christian paint" but pagan life; don't be one of them by becoming lukewarm (Rv 3:15-20). We're citizens of heaven; they, of the world. Ask, "Is there worldliness in me? Do I like to brag? Do I like money, pride, or arrogance? Where are my roots, my citizenship? Am I heading for Christ or for ruin?"

The steward who cheated his master became corrupt little by little. The path of worldliness leads to corruption! If you're attached to money, vanity, or pride, you're on the bad road, but if you love God, serve others, are gentle and humble, you're on the right road. Remain "firm in the Lord"; don't weaken and end up corrupt. May we follow Christ's example of humility, poverty, meekness, service, worship, and prayer.

Read

Phil 3:17-4:1 Imitate me and observe those following our model; sadly, many don't. We're citizens of heaven and await Christ our savior who will by his power make our body conform with his. Stand firm in the Lord.

Ps 122:1-5 "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord."

Lk 16:1-8 “Rich man, firing suspected steward: ‘Prepare an account.’ / ‘What shall I do? I'm too weak to to dig and ashamed to beg.’ So the master's debtors would welcome him, he reduced all their debts. The master commended that dishonest steward for his prudence. The children of this world are more prudent... than the children of light.”

Reflect

Creighton: Apparently the steward gave up his cut of the repayments to pave better relationships.

One Bread One Body: "Longer-range financial planning": The Lord will supply our needs, entrust those faithful in small matters with bigger things, and reward faithful stewards forever.

Passionist: What if I spent as much time examining my own behavior as judging/condemning others?

DailyScripture.net: Do I make good use of my possessions? Likely the steward was fired for overcharging his master's debtors and keeping the difference, and he won favor with debtors and master by backing out his 'commission' (making the master look generous). Jesus commends the steward for his shrewd plan to secure his future. 'Shrewdness' was originally 'foresight.' Faith and prudence can save us from disaster too. / "The bosoms of the poor, the houses of widows, the mouths of children are barns that last forever. True wealth isn't what we keep but what we give away. Possessions are a great responsibility; God expects us to use them responsibly and put them at his and others' service. All we have is God's; God expects us to make a good return on it." (St. Ambrose, paraphrased) God gives to those who share his gifts. What love possesses my heart?