Reflections for FRIDAY, 31st Week, Ordinary Time.

By


Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore

Today's Word

Luke 16:1-8  

The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

Today's Reflection

Some of us may be proud of our memory abilities, while other may not.

We may be amazed at how some people can remember so many things with so many details, while we may fret over why we keep forgetting things or why we stepped into a room.

But whether it is photographic memory or a foggy memory, there is another aspect and it can be called selective memory.

We remember the things that we want to remember, especially when it is to our convenience and advantage.

But those things that seem difficult and troublesome, we just keep it aside and we even try not to think about it. But the fact is that we can't forget it.

In the 1st reading, St. Paul says that the reason why he had written to the Romans and put some things rather strongly, was to refresh their memories.

In other words, he wants to remind them of the necessary things for being a Christian and to keep to those precepts and teachings that they have been taught.

In the gospel, the dishonest steward, in his time of reckoning, could only think of his own benefit and he could only remember those whom he could take advantage of.

He could not remember, or he didn't want to remember, that his master trusted him to be his steward, and that he had abused his position.

Let us always remember God's love for us. The Cross and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are reminders of God's love.

And let us always remember to love God and to love others.

We cannot deny that the message of the Gospel today is true. We may ask ourselves the following questions:

Why is it too difficult to let go of our five hundred pesos to church or charity, but are quick to spend it when we go shopping, gambling and partying?

Why is one hour of Mass in church so agonizingly long, but it is too short when watching our favorite TV program?

Why are we all eager to pay for an expensive front seat ticket to shows and concerts of famous celebrities, but always choose the seats at the back of the church?

Why are we shy or afraid to talk about Jesus, but are so eager in spreading gossips and lies about someone?

Why do we come early to parties and social gatherings, but usually arrive late for the Mass?

The list is endless. Let us examine our lifestyle as Christians.

Are we truly sincere in following Jesus?

Do we really want to be holy and go to heaven?

Let us pray today as we remember  the Sacred Heart of Jesus, our hearts may also burn with love and desire for heaven, and thereby be truly fervent in the practice of the Christian virtues and in the fulfillment of our religious obligations.

GOD BLESS YOU 

Good morning. Have a nice safe day.