📖 Readings for September 21, 2025
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time USCCB+1
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First Reading: Amos 8:4-7
Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! “When will the new moon be over,” you ask, “that we may sell our grain, and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat? We will diminish the ephah, add to the shekel, and fix our scales for cheating! We will buy the lowly for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals; even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!” USCCB+1
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8
Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor. USCCB+1
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Second Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. USCCB+1
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Gospel: Luke 16:1-13
Jesus said to his disciples: “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He called him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Draw me up an 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 know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ … ‘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 both God and wealth.’” USCCB+1
Reflection: Faithfulness in the Small Things
I. Introduction
In today’s readings, we are confronted with the challenge of integrity, justice, and devotion. The prophet Amos rebukes those who exploit the poor, Paul urges prayer and godliness, and Jesus warns us about divided loyalties. The call is clear: be faithful with what is small, for what is small shapes what is great.
II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context
Luke 16:1-13 narrates the parable of the dishonest steward (or manager). Though his actions are questionable, he is commended for prudence in small matters. Jesus uses this story to urge His followers to be trustworthy in little things—including how we handle wealth—because stewardship is not just about size but about heart. The point: if we can’t manage small responsibilities with honesty, how can we be trusted with more significant ones? And the stark warning: we cannot serve both God and money.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility
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Amos 8 exposes injustice—those who cheat the poor—and reminds us that God sees and will hold them accountable. True humility rejects exploiting others. USCCB
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Psalm 113 praises the LORD who exalts the poor and lifts up those from humility. The Lord’s greatness lies in His tenderness toward the lowly. USCCB
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1 Timothy 2 teaches that prayer, especially for all in authority, should be offered with peace, dignity, and truth—elements of humility in our public, communal life. USCCB
IV. Reflections
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We often think that wealth or success is defined by status or possessions, but Jesus teaches that the real measure is how we are faithful in small things—even how we deal with money or small responsibilities.
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Humility is shown when we treat fairness and honesty as non-negotiable—even when no one is watching.
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There is a tension between worldly values (greed, ambition, appearance) and Kingdom values (justice, integrity, stewardship). We must ask ourselves: who is my master?
Quote for Emphasis:
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” — C.S. Lewis
V. Practical Applications
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Examine your stewardship of small things: maybe your finances, time, resources. Are you honest, generous, faithful?
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Support people in need: be alert to injustice—maybe in your workplace, community, or the marketplace—and act justly.
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Pray for those in authority: lift up leaders, asking God to give them integrity, humility, and justice.
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Detach from wealth’s hold: reflect on what you might be serving instead of God—comfort, status, money—and choose to serve God first.
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Live simply and humbly: choose contentment, avoid comparing with others, cultivate gratitude, generosity, and fairness in everyday life.
VI. Conclusion
Faithfulness in the small things is a touchstone of true discipleship. God lifts up the humble, and expects His children to be trustworthy stewards of all He has given—even what seems insignificant. When we commit to justice, integrity, and loyalty to God over wealth, we build treasures in heaven that endure.
Verse of the Day
“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.” — Luke 16:10
Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
Grant me a humble heart that sees the value of faithfulness in everyday tasks. Help me to be honest in small things, generous with what I have, just in how I treat others, and free from the slavery of wealth or status. May my loyalty be first to You; may my life reflect Your righteousness. Strengthen me to serve with integrity, to pray for all in authority, and to live as a faithful steward of Your gifts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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