The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to express gratitude for gifts we have received from the generosity of the Spirit and the people on our journey.
The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians is an acknowledgement of the Philippians’ Gift.
* [4:10–20] Paul, more directly than anywhere else in the letter (cf. Phil 1:3–5), here thanks the Philippians for their gift of money sent through Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25). Paul’s own policy was to be self-sufficient as a missionary, supporting himself by his own labor (1 Thes 2:5–9; 1 Cor 9:15–18; cf. Acts 18:2–3). In spite of this reliance on self and on God to provide (Phil 4:11–13) Paul accepted gifts from the Philippians not only once but more than once (Phil 4:16) when he was in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–9), as he does now, in prison (my distress, Phil 4:14). While commercial terms appear in the passage, like an account of giving and receiving (Phil 4:15) and received full payment (Phil 4:18), Paul is most concerned about the spiritual growth of the Philippians (10, 17, 19); he emphasizes that God will care for their needs, through Christ. (Philippians, CHAPTER 4, n.d.)
Psalm 112 celebrates the blessings of the righteous.
* [Psalm 112] An acrostic poem detailing the blessings received by those who remain close to God by obedience to the commandments. Among their blessings are children (Ps 112:2), wealth that enables them to be magnanimous (Ps 112:3, 5, 9), and virtue by which they encourage others (Ps 112:4). The just person is an affront to the wicked, whose hopes remain unfulfilled (Ps 112:10). The logic resembles Ps 1; 111. (Psalms, PSALM 112, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus applies the Parable of the Dishonest Steward.
* [16:9] Dishonest wealth: literally, “mammon of iniquity.” Mammon is the Greek transliteration of a Hebrew or Aramaic word that is usually explained as meaning “that in which one trusts.” The characterization of this wealth as dishonest expresses a tendency of wealth to lead one to dishonesty. Eternal dwellings: or, “eternal tents,” i.e., heaven.
* [16:10–12] The second conclusion recommends constant fidelity to those in positions of responsibility.
* [16:13] The third conclusion is a general statement about the incompatibility of serving God and being a slave to riches. To be dependent upon wealth is opposed to the teachings of Jesus who counseled complete dependence on the Father as one of the characteristics of the Christian disciple (Lk 12:22–39). God and mammon: see note on Lk 16:9. Mammon is used here as if it were itself a god. (Luke, CHAPTER 16, n.d.)
Cindy Costanzo decided to write about gratitude and so this reflection has this focus.
Gratitude is a beautiful expression of self-awareness and provides me with a beautiful start to the day. Gratitude for faith, love, family, work, health, and all that impacts my life. I have no doubt that when the start of my day begins with gratitude the lens through which I view my appointments, conversations, and tasks shifts and the day becomes a blessing, another opportunity, another chance …to do something meaningful, to reverence the work of others, to make someone smile, to let someone know how important they are to me. The complex problems to solve become clearer and manageable, the sadness or disappointments change recognizing these are an important part of our human experience, a reminder for me to reflect on the why and learn from the meaning. (Costanzo, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “Jesus recommends the foresight, prudence, and ingenuity of the steward,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Mammon is the Hebrew word for 'riches,' just as in Punic the word for 'profit' is mammon. What are we to do? What did the Lord command? 'Make yourselves friends with the mammon of iniquity, so that they too, when you begin to fail, may receive you into eternal shelters.' It is easy, of course, to understand that we must give alms and a helping hand to the needy, because Christ receives it in them... We can understand that we have to give alms and that we must not really pick and choose to whom we give them, because we are unable to sift through people's hearts. When you give alms to all different types of people, then you will reach a few who deserve them. You are hospitable, and you keep your house ready for strangers. Let in the unworthy, in case the worthy might be excluded. You cannot be a judge and sifter of hearts." (excerpt from Sermon 359A.11-12) (Schwager, n.d.)
Friar Jude Wrinkler sets the stage for the writing of Paul in gratitude for the financial help of the Philippians while he was under house arrest. Jesus advises that we use our earthly treasures to make friends and address the needs of the poor. Friar Jude reminds us to focus on sharing our gifts to help satisfy those in need.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, offers a practice of deepening love and healing.
Place the palm of one of your hands on your heart. Feel your heart beating, letting its rhythm bring you into the present moment and into the awareness of God’s blessing on your life, beat after beat after beat.
Bring to your conscious mind a loved one, an ancestor, a favorite place or animal, or anything that makes you smile with undeniable, spontaneous, unconditional love and joy.
Bring that particular beloved being or thing down from your mind and place it right under your palm, in your heart space. Relax your mind and let your heart relax at the same time, feeling the sensation of blood vessels, muscles, and chest cavity opening in warmth and love for that particular loved thing. Smile.
Now humbly place a challenging person, issue, or problem directly under your palm, within your wide-open heart space. This could be someone or something currently challenging you or an old hurt from a person gone from the living world. Silently continue to smile and hold this challenging thing in the warmth of your heart.
With closed eyes, look at the thing that causes you pain, visualizing the detail that bothers you the most, all the while smiling. Consider that there may be reasons why this thing brings hurt. Smile at the fragility, suffering, or misunderstanding that makes it this way.
Finally, give the person or problem to your heart and ask that your heart’s wisdom and love take over. Rest in the Love that loves both you and the other and wants to transform all into its loving image. (Rohr, 2022)
We are invited to contemplate the joy and connection we have known as a result of acting on Jesus' invitation to be generous in support of others.
References
Costanzo, C. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110522.html
Luke, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/16?9
Philippians, CHAPTER 4. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/4?10
Psalms, PSALM 112. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/112?1
Rohr, R. (2022, November 5). Keeping Faith with Our Ancestors: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/keeping-faith-with-our-ancestors-weekly-summary-2022-11-05/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Who Will Entrust to You the True Riches? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=nov5
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