5 November, Friday – You Are Full of Goodness

Friday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time

Rm 15:14-21
Lk 16:1-8

Those who have never been told about him will see him, and those who have never heard about him will understand.

If we are to consider ourselves as belonging to God, then we cannot deny that we are full of goodness. This may sound like we are an improved milk formula, but let us take a minute to reflect on the goodness within us. How can we exploit this goodness for God’s kingdom?

In today’s gospel, the squandering steward chose to prove his worthiness and capability to his master by acting prudently as the situation demanded, so that he could remain secure in his position, and so that his future could be secured. There is a cue we can take from this once dishonest steward.

If we have ‘squandered’ away our morals or talents, we can start to make amends by living a life of dignity and offering our talents for the glory of God, and to the service of others. Have we been too laid back with the call of our Father? Is He calling us for a greater intimacy with Him? Is He calling us to become a religious or to enter into married life? What is holding us back from this invitation? Surely we can find a prudent way to answer His call, which is the perfect path for us. God will not call us to do something wrong or deceitful — we have to learn to trust Him and follow Him.

The steward in today’s gospel realised that it was worth coaxing his master, as a means to change his reputation and alter his status. Are we sometimes too proud to admit that we need a change of heart? That we need to let go of certain ways so that we too can gain a renewed image, just like the steward did when he became the prudent one, rather than the dishonest one?

Today, let us pledge to do all it takes to return to His loving embrace. Let us look into our lives and ensure that our lives are ‘honesty proof’, that we are honest in all our dealings and relationships so that others who come in contact with us will know Our God, whom they have not seen nor heard of.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Josephine Dionisappu)

Prayer: Father God, help us to recognise your mercy and give us the wisdom to return to you. Help us to be vessels in which your love is perfected; for this, we need your help to be with us as we strive daily to keep your word, O Lord.

Thanksgiving: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.