Scripture Reflection - September 21, 2025

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading: Amos 8:4-7

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Gospel: Luke 16:1-13

Today’s first reading gives a warning to those who treat the poor and needy badly, and speaks of the importance of fair play in all things. I asked myself, who are the needy?  Some wear their neediness on the outside, usually when the basics of life—food, clothing, and shelter—are missing. However, there are those whose neediness cannot be seen, leaving the observer uncertain. All the more reason to treat everyone we encounter with kindness and fairness. Neediness isn’t always visible, but it is real just the same. The warning is firm, ending with the Lord’s words, “Never will I forget a thing they have done!”

In today’s second reading, Timothy implores his church and the reader to “pray for everyone,” for it is God’s will that everyone be saved.  God’s generosity and goodwill are evident in those words. I can’t help but observe that in the first reading God warns—and conversely, in the second reading, God blesses. This is a contrast worth pondering along with the power of Jesus’ mediation. 

Luke’s gospel speaks of warning and blessing, a combination we see in the earlier readings. The squandering steward is dismissed from his position but is later restored once the master realizes his prudent actions. Prudent, perhaps, but not honest or trustworthy. I found the meaning or message in this parable difficult to decipher. The early verses (1- 9) were confusing, but verses 10-13 simplified and clarified the message somewhat. 

The world is capable of dealing with worldly matters, but needs guidance when it comes to the things of God. Honesty and trustworthiness are not negotiable. There are not two separate definitions—one by which the world operates and one of God. Confusion on this point can be harmful to one’s spiritual well-being. In both small things and big, the same standard applies. 

The master and the steward, in my opinion, operated by the world’s standards in their business dealings. Where was the fair play? The honesty? The trustworthiness? Yes, not all things are black or white. But as disciples, we must know what is of God and what is of the world. The final words of this Gospel, “You cannot serve both God and mammon”, offer us an opportunity to ask ourselves: Whom do I serve?

Peggy Roach, Associate