Philippians 4:10-19 / Luke 16:9-15
It is often said that "Money is the root of all evil". A more accurate expression may be: "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil.
When it comes to the topic of money, there are no shortage of quotes, but endless worries over its shortage.
Interestingly enough, today's readings also talk about money.
St. Paul talked about money, not about its shortage but rather about how he managed.
So whether in poverty or in plenty, full or empty stomach, there was nothing he could not master with the help of the One who gave him strength.
Jesus also warned us in today's gospel that if we cannot be trusted with money, then who will trust us with genuine riches.
But the lure of money is just one in the array of temptations and pitfalls that people have fallen into.
At the core in the discussion of money and its use and abuse is the virtue of honesty and integrity.
At the core of the teaching of Jesus in today's gospel is the question of who and what is our master.
That question will be answered when we show that we can be trusted in small things.