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Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : Philippians 3:17—4:1

Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters,
and observe those who thus conduct themselves
according to the model you have in us.
For many, as I have often told you
and now tell you even in tears,
conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Their end is destruction.
Their God is their stomach;
their glory is in their “shame.”
Their minds are occupied with earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified Body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

R. (1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Alleluia : 1 John 2:5

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever keeps the word of Christ,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Luke 16:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward
who was reported to him for squandering his property.
He summoned him and said,
‘What is this I hear about you?
Prepare a full account of your stewardship,
because you can no longer be my steward.’
The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do,
now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me?
I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg.
I know what I shall do so that,
when I am removed from the stewardship,
they may welcome me into their homes.’
He called in his master’s debtors one by one.
To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’
He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note.
Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’
Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’
He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’
He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note;
write one for eighty.’
And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.
For the children of this world
are more prudent in dealing with their own generation
than the children of light.”

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings remind us of a powerful truth:
We are citizens of heaven, called to live with spiritual clarity, intentionality, and joy — even in a world full of distractions.
• Paul warns against living only for earthly desires.
• The psalm invites us to rejoice in God’s presence.
• Jesus challenges us to be spiritually wise and purposeful.
The message is clear: Live with heaven in your heart and wisdom in your choices.

 Reflection for the Day

1. “Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3)
   Paul speaks with deep affection and urgency.
   He sees believers drifting toward earthly priorities — comfort, pleasure, status — and he weeps because these paths lead nowhere.
   Then he reminds us of our true identity:
   We belong to heaven. We await a Savior. We will be transformed.
   This truth changes everything:
   • how we make decisions,
   • how we handle challenges,
   • how we view success,
   • how we measure our lives.
   Paul invites us to imitate those who live with eternity in mind — people whose choices reflect Christ, not culture.
2. “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122)
   This psalm is a song of unity, joy, and belonging.
   Jerusalem symbolizes:
   • God’s presence,
   • God’s people gathered,
   • God’s peace reigning.
   The psalm reminds us that worship is not an obligation — it is a joy, a privilege, a homecoming.
   When we enter God’s presence, we rediscover who we are and where we truly belong.
3. “The master commended the dishonest steward for acting prudently.” (Luke 16)
   This parable can feel surprising — even unsettling.
   Jesus is not praising dishonesty. He is praising prudence — the ability to think ahead, act decisively, and use opportunities wisely.
   The steward understood urgency. He acted with intention. He prepared for the future.
   Jesus wants His disciples to be just as intentional — not about earthly security, but about eternal life.
   The children of this world are often more strategic than the children of light. Jesus challenges us:
   Be spiritually awake. Be wise. Be intentional. Live with eternity in mind.

Living This Word Today

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Live with heaven as your home.
   Let your decisions reflect your true citizenship.
2. Rejoice in God’s presence.
   Make worship a place of joy, unity, and renewal.
3. Be spiritually wise and intentional.
   Use your time, gifts, and opportunities with purpose.
   Let today be a day of clarity, joy, and renewed focus on what truly matters.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, teach me to live with heaven in my heart and wisdom in my choices.
Help me avoid distractions that pull me away from You.
Fill me with joy in Your presence, clarity in my purpose, and courage to live intentionally as a child of the light.
Transform my heart and guide my steps toward the fullness of life in You.
Amen.