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Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : Philippians 4:10-19

Brothers and sisters:
I rejoice greatly in the Lord
that now at last you revived your concern for me.
You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity.
Not that I say this because of need,
for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself,
to be self-sufficient.
I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances;
I know also how to live with abundance.
In every circumstance and in all things
I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry,
of living in abundance and of being in need.
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

You Philippians indeed know that at the beginning of the Gospel,
when I left Macedonia,
not a single church shared with me
in an account of giving and receiving, except you alone.
For even when I was at Thessalonica
you sent me something for my needs,
not only once but more than once.
It is not that I am eager for the gift;
rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account.
I have received full payment and I abound.
I am very well supplied because of what I received from you
through Epaphroditus,
“a fragrant aroma,” an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
My God will fully supply whatever you need,
in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a, 9

R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia : 2 Corinthians 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
So that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Luke 16:9-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth,
so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
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.
If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth,
who will trust you with true wealth?
If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another,
who will give you what is yours?
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 God and mammon.”

The Pharisees, who loved money,
heard all these things and sneered at him.
And he said to them,
“You justify yourselves in the sight of others,
but God knows your hearts;
for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.”

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth:
True security is found not in wealth, comfort, or circumstances — but in Christ, who strengthens, supplies, and sees the heart.
• Paul teaches contentment rooted in Christ, not possessions.
• The psalm praises the generous and steadfast heart.
• Jesus warns that divided loyalty makes true discipleship impossible.
The message is clear: We cannot serve two masters. Only God gives lasting strength, joy, and freedom.

 Reflection for the Day

1. “I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me.” (Philippians 4)
   Paul’s words are among the most beloved in Scripture — and today we see their full context.
   He speaks not from comfort, but from experience:
   • seasons of abundance,
   • seasons of scarcity,
   • moments of hunger,
   • moments of fullness.
   Through it all, Paul learned the secret of peace:
   Christ is enough. Christ sustains. Christ strengthens.
   His gratitude for the Philippians’ generosity is sincere, yet he makes it clear:
   His joy is not rooted in gifts, but in God.
   This is the heart of Christian maturity — a freedom that does not rise or fall with circumstances.
2. “Blessed the man who fears the Lord… his heart is steadfast.” (Psalm 112)
   The psalm paints a portrait of the righteous person:
   • generous,
   • just,
   • steadfast,
   • unafraid,
   • remembered forever.
   This is not a blessing reserved for the perfect — but for those who delight in God’s commands and allow His wisdom to shape their lives.
   Generosity becomes a reflection of God’s own heart, and steadfastness becomes a fruit of trusting Him.
3. “You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16)
   Jesus speaks directly and without softening His words.
   Wealth is not evil — but it becomes dangerous when it becomes a master.
   The dishonest steward is praised not for his dishonesty, but for his prudence — his ability to act decisively and think ahead.
   Jesus wants His disciples to be just as intentional:
   • faithful in small things,
   • trustworthy with what belongs to others,
   • wise with earthly resources,
   • free from the grip of money.
   The Pharisees sneer because they love money — but Jesus reminds them:
   God sees the heart. What impresses people does not impress God.

Living This Word Today

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Practice Christ‑centered contentment.
   Let your peace come from Him, not from circumstances.
2. Live generously and steadfastly.
   Let your life reflect God’s justice and compassion.
3. Choose your master intentionally.
   Detach from anything that competes with God for your heart.
   Let today be a day of clarity, freedom, and renewed trust in Christ’s strength.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, teach me to find my strength in You alone. Free my heart from anything that competes with Your love.
Make me generous, steadfast, and faithful in both small and great matters.
Help me serve You with an undivided heart and trust that You will supply all my needs according to Your glorious riches.
Amen.