Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings

“You Cannot Serve Both God And Mammon”

Today’s readings focus our attention on service to God rather than the material things of this world. A Just Person is one who does not lie, cheat or steal; one who lives in right relationship with God, neighbor, and environment. Today, we are asked to choose: with whom are we in right relationship — God and neighbor or ourselves and our possessions? We cannot choose both.

In our first reading (Amos 8:4-7), the Prophet Amos calls out the leaders of Israel for their trampling on the rights of the poor by cheating and stealing to enrich themselves. Their dishonest methods destroyed the poor while portraying themselves as righteous and holy. Their treachery has not gone unnoticed by God. “Never will I forget a thing they have done!”, says the Lord.

In our Epistle reading (1 Timothy 2:1-8), St. Paul reminds us that God seeks salvation for all humankind and it is the Christian obligation to pray for everyone, including those in positions of leadership. Paul writes, “First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority.“ The purpose of such prayer is so “that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” This prayer could never be more true or more needed than it is today.

In our Gospel reading (Luke 16:1-13), Jesus cited the example of a dishonest steward who was prudent in protecting his own self-interest. Jesus seemed to be urging His followers to work as hard for the Kingdom of God as those with "dishonest wealth" worked for their own worldly goods. As disciples, we must choose—do we serve the wealth of this world or the “true wealth” of the Kingdom of God.

Our readings today remind us that there is injustice in our world, a world where the poor and the downtrodden can be mistreated by those who serve to prosper their own wealth at the expense of those in their care. Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve our own wealth and our own selfish interests and at the same time serve God. “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon."

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092125.cfm