📖 First Reading: Philippians 4:10–19
Brothers and sisters: I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me, but had no opportunity to show it. I know how to live in humble circumstances; I also know 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 can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.
📜 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1b–2, 5–6, 8a, and 9
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
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.
Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.
✝️ Gospel: Luke 16:9–15
Jesus said to his disciples: “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. No servant can serve two masters. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all these things and sneered at him. And Jesus said to them, “You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts.”
🌅 Verse of the Day:
“No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and wealth.” – Luke 16:13
✨ Reflection: Choosing Whom We Serve
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to choose our allegiance wisely. The world constantly tempts us with possessions, power, and pride. Yet the Lord reminds us that our true worth is not measured by what we own, but by how we live with integrity and generosity.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians shows us the same truth: contentment is not found in abundance or poverty but in trusting that God provides. Whether we have much or little, our hearts find peace when anchored in Christ.
This reflection reminds us that being faithful in little things—showing kindness, helping the poor, or offering patience—prepares us to handle greater responsibilities in the light of God’s will.
In a world chasing wealth, may we choose to serve God with sincere hearts, knowing that all we have and all we are come from Him.
💭 Practical Applications
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Examine Your Priorities: Ask yourself—who or what occupies your heart most? Redirect your focus toward what leads you closer to God.
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Be Trustworthy in Small Things: Integrity begins in the little choices you make daily.
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Share with Others: Like St. Paul, learn to find joy in giving, even when you have little.
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Pray for Detachment: Ask for grace to live with contentment and humility.
🙏 Morning Prayer: A Prayer of Trust and Protection
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of this new morning. You are the source of all strength and peace.
Help me today to serve You above all things. Keep my heart free from greed, envy, and selfishness.
Grant me a spirit of humility and contentment like St. Paul, and teach me to be faithful in the small duties of life.
Lord, I lift up to You the victims of calamities, especially in Cebu and across the Philippines. Shelter them from harm, comfort those who mourn, and restore their hope.
Bless the young generation—guide them to seek You with humble and prayerful hearts.
Protect our nation, O God, from disasters, corruption, and hopelessness. Bring forth leaders who fear You and serve with honesty and compassion.
Bless our families, friends, and readers today—make us instruments of peace, love, and generosity.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. ✨
💬 Quote of the Day:
“It is not what we have, but what we share, that makes us rich before God.”
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