In today’s Gospel lesson Jesus spoke bluntly about our relationship with wealth, “You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Luke 16:13). To put that statement into context, read the whole Gospel lesson (see the link above) and the First and Second readings that go with it.
This week’s lessons resonate with meaning in light of events this past week.
In St. Paul’s letter to Timothy, he writes “I am grateful to Christ Jesus, our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly and in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:12-14.
And Jesus said, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10.
In this week’s second reading we hear, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever.” (Heb 13:8).
The same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem and lived among us. The same Jesus who died on a cross for our sins. The same Jesus who declared his unconditional love for each of us.