💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 4 💖

First Reading - Philippians 3:17-4:1

Gospel - Luke 16:1-8

As Saint John Chrysostom said: “Faithfulness in little things is a big thing.” At times, we don't care for small opportunities we get, for the thought occurs to us that they count nothing. The readings of today emphasize that even small opportunities can do great deal.

The first reading presents the exhortation of Paul to the Christians in Philippe. The exhortation of Paul, in this pericope, is geared to encourage the Christians to remain faithful to the instructions imparted to them by him about faith in Jesus. Paul also cites the examples of those members who had got deviated into idolatry and their unfaithfulness to God, only to warn and remind the Christians not to imitate them. Paul also assures that their faithfulness to God will be rewarded in the end with the heavenly joy and the resurrection of body; a glorified body in Christ.

In the gospel, Jesus mentions a parable of a dishonest steward who was caught for his dishonest works and got fired by the owner. The parable takes a twist, in the sense, Jesus seems to appreciate the shrewdness of the steward who, in order to win the friendship of his master's debtors, cut down their debts. Jesus picks this point to show the steward's ingenuity to win hospitality and friendship of others. The key point of the parable isn't concerned about the dishonesty of the steward but the shrewdness of the steward. Jesus demands the same shrewdness in dealing with our time, money, talents etc.

Dear friends, a small opportunity can do big things in our lives. Paul, in the first reading, exhorts the Christians and us now, to realize the opportunity of knowing God and use it by being faithful to Him. The parable of the steward stands out as a clear example of making use of the opportunity. The steward, in the gospel, had a little time to submit the account to the owner before he would be dismissed from his job but he made use of that little time for a greater purpose; he made use of his power/authority for a greater cause to win the friendship of people for himself. We are invited to make use of our gifts, time, wealth and talents, as they are with us for a short time, but for a greater cause, to win friends rather than foes. Our future opportunities, in the eternal service of God, largely depend on our stewardship in handling the little opportunities we have had on earth. As Mother Teresa used to recommend, “Do little things with great love.” Let's handle our little opportunities with great care.