Word to the Wise
Sunday, September 21, 2025 - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - C
[Amos 8:4-7; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13 or 16:10-13]"The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones....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." [Luke]
Trustworthiness is a valuable trait, but it stems from dedicated faith and a desire to serve. Jesus' words in today's gospel scripture would make good sense in any business management situation. How can someone work simultaneously for two businesses that are competitors for the same market? Such a person could not be trusted to act in the best interests of either company! The same principle is applied by Jesus to faith.
The choice of "masters" can appear in both public and private life. Politicians are constantly tempted to serve their own interests in order to stay in power. Power becomes the "god" they serve despite their claims to be faithful Christians. In private life, the pursuit of physical security can become all-consuming and neglect love of God or neighbor.
The Gospel According to Luke offers vivid parables from Jesus' teaching that speak to trustworthiness and service.. The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus and the Rich Fool are examples. The parable of the Talents is another example of trustworthiness and service. Trustworthiness has to be demonstrated not just by religious devotional acts (going to Mass, sacraments, rosary) but also by care of those in need. How we use the gifts (talents) that God gives us will demonstrate our trustworthiness in faith, beginning with the smallest acts of kindness and love. We all want to hear, at the end of our lives, "Well done, my good and faithful servant! Come, share your Master's joy!" AMEN