Impossibility of Serving both God and Mammon!

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 21, 2025

Readings: Amos 8:4–7; Psalm 113:1–2, 4–6, 7–8; 1 Timothy 2:1–8; Luke 16:1–13

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/l_ZJC5FUmNo

Having seen many frauds, bankruptcies, financial irregularities, illegal activities, and dishonest managers in the business world, often, business ethics emphasizes that it is better to have people of integrity and sincerity as CEO's and CFO's than brilliant, well-educated individuals in top-most business schools of the world, but who are dishonest and people of duplicity. The world needs people of integrity and honesty. Businesses are built on trust and loyalty. Relationships are established and furthered through sincerity and honesty. The liturgical readings of this Sunday, especially the Gospel reading, speaks about trust, honesty and loyalty. Jesus gives a parable to his disciples and invites them to be trustworthy and ethical in whatever they do.

1. Living with Purpose and Clarity

This Sunday’s Gospel from Luke 16:1–13 unsettles us, leaves us wondering what exactly Jesus is hinting at or what is bothering Jesus with regard to his relationship with the disciples. Jesus is straightforward in communicating to his disciples what he thinks about certain values and convictions that the disciples must embody. Perhaps Jesus must have witnessed something that was not to his taste among his disciples, especially with regard to their loyalty towards him.  Jesus tells the story of a dishonest steward who, when faced with losing his job, cleverly reduces the debts of his master’s clients in order to secure his future. At first glance, it seems like Jesus is praising dishonesty. But he isn’t commending the steward’s corruption—He is praising his shrewdness, his ability to act decisively in a moment of crisis.

Jesus evaluates the steward's shrewdness in acting quickly and creatively to shape his future. Jesus contrasts this with many of us who live half-heartedly in matters of eternal life. We pour our energy into securing wealth, status, and comfort, but are often careless about the things of God. If only we were as creative and intentional about building God’s Kingdom as the children of the world are about securing their own.

2. Faithful in Little, Faithful in Much

Jesus reminds us of the lokaniyama, the general truth of this world: If you are good in small things, you will be good in greater things as well. It emphasizes how we handle small things—our daily decisions, our money, our relationships, our trust, our agreements, our promises, our vows, which all shape who we are and how we are in greater matters. Faithfulness in little things is the seed of holiness in big things. The Gospel challenges us to ask: Am I trustworthy with what God has given me—my time, talents, relationships, resources? Or do I waste them on selfish ends?

The much-quoted Jesus' saying makes a lot of sense here: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” Jesus gives us a stark warning.  Our lives cannot be divided between love of God and love of wealth, between generosity and greed. Sooner or later, we will need to choose our master. Money in itself is not evil—it is a tool. But when it becomes our master, it hardens our hearts and blinds us to God. To be a Christian today is to manage all that we have—our gifts, wealth, energy, and time—not as owners but as caretakers. Everything we have is entrusted to us by God. 

3. God’s Desire: Salvation for All

St Paul urges Timothy (1 Timothy 2:1–8) to make “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all people—for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.” It is a reminder that prayer is never just a private affair—it is an act of love that embraces the whole human family. St Paul does not say, “Pray only for those you like, or for those who believe what you believe.” He asks for prayers for all—friends and strangers, rich and poor, rulers and ordinary citizens. Even those in authority, with whom we may disagree, need our prayers. True Christian prayer breaks down walls of division and keeps our hearts free from bitterness.

At the heart of this call to prayer is God’s universal will: “God desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” This truth is not an abstract idea but a person—Jesus Christ. St Paul beautifully concludes, “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.” Prayer is not just about words; it is about the posture of our hearts. We cannot pray authentically if our hands are clenched in anger or our hearts are filled with division. To lift up holy hands is to lift up a reconciled heart, ready to be an instrument of peace.

Questions for Reflection

1. How do I use my resources—money, time, abilities—for the sake of God’s Kingdom?
2. Where in my life do I try to serve two masters?
3. What “small things” do I need to be more faithful in today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You have entrusted me with so much—my time, my talents, my relationships, and all that I possess. Teach me to be faithful in both small and great matters, using everything for Your glory and for the good of others. Free my heart from the grip of money, selfishness, anger, and division, and make me generous in prayer for my family, my community, my leaders, and even those I struggle to love. Lord God, You desire all people to be saved and to know Your truth; make me an instrument of Your peace, lifting up holy hands and a pure heart in prayer, so that I may serve You alone, my one true Master, with joy and integrity of life. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ
Email: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith

18 September 2025

The Cross: A Paradox of Glory

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14, 2025

Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/KIXGjZKJSXU

Who among us desires crosses in life? None of us. A cross is usually understood as suffering, and suffering, in itself, is painful and unwanted. Yet, when it is embraced with faith, suffering takes on a new meaning and dimension. It becomes purposeful. We suffer for many reasons: an illness that weakens the body, the burden of age that no longer allows us the energy of youth, the indifference or unkindness of colleagues at work, the loneliness of a partner who does not share our thoughts and feelings, or the disappointment of unfulfilled desires. We suffer when faced with social evils like corruption, nepotism, jealousy, inequality, injustice and favouritism. We suffer when we feel utterly alone, with no one to listen or to walk with us. These are the daily crosses we carry.

But Jesus carried not just a symbol of suffering, but a real Cross—up the hill of Calvary—upon which he gave his very life. That Cross was not freely chosen but forced upon him through betrayal and conspiracy. Yet, by accepting it in love and obedience to the Father, he transformed it into the very source of our salvation. As we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we are invited to do the same: to see our daily crosses not as meaningless burdens, but as paths to grace, redemption, and deeper union with Christ.

1. The Cross: A cause for greatness

Even before Jesus took up his Cross, thousands of people must have died on the cross during the Roman rule. Dying on the cross was the most shameful and heinous death a person could go through. However, with Jesus taking up the Cross, it becomes a symbol of salvation. The Cross, once a symbol of humiliation and death, becomes the very sign of life and victory. As Jesus says in John’s Gospel: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (Jn 3:14). On the Cross, the Son of God is lifted up not in defeat, but in triumph, bringing eternal life to all who believe. What the world saw as failure, God revealed as the supreme act of love: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16).

Spiritual Awakening When Things are Left on God

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 07, 2025

Readings: Wisdom 9:13–18; Psalm 90:3–6, 12–17; Philemon 1:9–10, 12–17; Luke 14:25–33

God has blessed us with human intelligence. It is to make the best use of it for our growth, development, joy and happiness. However, God has created us as unique and special beings in this world. We distinguish ourselves by the way we make use of our intelligence. The ultimate purpose of our intelligence is to make this world and our life beautiful. Through our intelligence, we are called to be co-creators with God. In other words, we are invited to be part of God's vision. The realization of God's vision is that the human person is fully alive and active in this world. The liturgical readings, especially the Gospel passage for this Sunday, invite us to make the best use of our intelligence. That's why Jesus suggests a few practical tips, perhaps business tips on how to build a house, how to defend or win over an enemy and finally how to be a true disciple of our Lord. 

1. True discipleship costs personal ambitions

In today’s Gospel Luke 14:25–33, Jesus speaks words that can sound hard to our ears: “Whoever does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even life itself, cannot be my disciple… Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” These words are not a rejection of family or of life itself, but a reminder that following Jesus requires total freedom of heart and complete commitment. It is to make a good judgment about one's life. Following the Lord is a commitment which might sometimes have to go against one's close family circles as well. 

Humility and Hospitality: The Way of Christ

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 31, 2025

Readings: Sirach 3:17–18, 20, 28–29; Psalm 68:4–7,10–11; Hebrews 12:18–19, 22–24; Luke 14:1, 7–14

The ultimate goal of our life, other than spiritual dimensions, is to live our life happily and contentedly. Therefore, whatever we speak, act or do must give joy to our lives as well as to the lives of others. Our journey of life must take others with us so that everyone has a place. No one is excluded; in fact, everyone is included. Such a broader view involves sacrifices on one's part, including one's readiness to be simple and trustworthy. In this context, the kingdom values like humility, justice, equality, truth, etc, are essential and have to be integrated into one's life. In other words, meaning-making is a lifelong process with enfolding and unfolding. The liturgical readings on this Sunday emphasize this aspect of meaning-making in our lives based on those Gospel values. 

1. Greatness in one's conduct

The Gospel this Sunday, Luke 14:1, 7–14, places us at a dinner table with Jesus. In that setting, he notices how people rush to occupy the seats of honour. With calm authority, Jesus turns this into a teaching moment—not just about table etiquette, but about the very heart of Christian living. “When you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place.” (Lk 14:10). This is not about false modesty; it is about humility rooted in truth. In a world that constantly pushes us to climb higher, to assert ourselves, and to grasp recognition, Jesus points to another way—the way of self-emptying love. The measure of our greatness is not in how high we sit, but in how deeply we can bend in service.

The Costly Ticket to Heaven

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 24, 2025

Readings: Isaiah 66:18–21; Psalm 117:1, 2; Hebrews 12:5–7, 11–13; Luke 13:22–30

Life is full of perplexity. Yet there is space for wonder, awe and amusement. We would like to have things happen to us just as we think. Unfortunately, it does not turn out to be so. Our destiny has many facets. We are uncertain about the future; moreover, we are uncertain of the present as well. Yet we make some calculated moves, hoping that everything will be on our side. In fact, the world in which we live sets many expectations and awaits results or output from us. The liturgical readings for this Sunday are unique, special and tough. Yet they teach us something that is very important for our lives, that is to live in the presence of God.

1. Discipleship Beyond Shortcuts

In this passage, Luke 13:22–30, Jesus is journeying toward Jerusalem, and someone asks Him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” Often, we are not worried about ourselves and our salvation but of others. We are pretty kind, right? The answer of Jesus is straightforward. “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” What seems at first an abstract curiosity suddenly becomes deeply personal. The question is not about how many are saved, but rather, am I living as a disciple who seeks the Kingdom with all strength and sincerity?

Faith that Disturbs and Transforms

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 17, 2025

Readings: Jeremiah 38:4–6, 8–10; Psalm 40:2–4, 18; Hebrews 12:1–4; Luke 12:49–53

Sometimes faith unsettles us. We are rattled by the very faith that we have when we are in the troubled waters. We call it "faith crisis." The undimmed faith is the one that can withstand the strong winds of doubt and disbelief. We are tossed by the fear of imminent fall or a longer period of suffering in our lives. There is no other cure or remedy except accepting what life is all about. To overcome the fear of doubt and suffering, we must inculcate in ourselves a strong sense of faith in a God in whom we put our trust. The liturgical readings for this Sunday do exactly what we have in mind. Prophet Jeremiah suffered from his own people and yet he overcame the fear of doubt and faith in Yaweh, who had called him to do His Will. Jesus puts very strongly that aspect of division which would occur because of faith in him. The letter to the Hebrews points to those people who have struggled to keep their faith and yet were successful and now enjoy the heavenly realm. In sum, all the readings encourage us to keep our focus and attention on Him and Him alone. 

1. God’s Rescue in the Darkest Pits

We see prophet Jeremiah in Ch. 38 being thrown into a cistern not because he had committed a crime, but because he dared to speak God’s truth in a time when it was unwelcome. He stood for God's justice. He spoke the truth. Unfortunately, truth hurts. Sadly, Jeremiah’s fidelity towards God is not rewarded with applause but with persecution. Poor prophet was always at the receiving end. St Oscar Romero said. "We know that every effort to improve society…is an effort that God blesses; that God wants; that God demands of us."

The Gift of Faith and the Call

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 10, 2025

Readings: Wisdom 18:6–9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 18–22; Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19; Luke 12:35–40

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/9YbHdgU9B0k

Before you express your faith in someone else, you must express it in yourself. Being confident, having faith in oneself, is as essential as oxygen to one's heart. Our life experience tells us that unless and until you believe in yourself and in your abilities, no one can help you to develop confidence by giving a lecture or some exercise. It is the faith and belief that one has that makes the person who he or she is. Our bodies are built to sense and respond to threats. While fear can protect us, it can also paralyze, rob us of peace, and create division. The ultimate goal of our lives is to live our lives fully and faithfully. St. Irenaeus’ famous insight on the vocation of the human person, “The glory of God is man fully alive”, fits perfectly with the heart of today's liturgical readings.

1. Being alive means being confident

Jesus’ call to be awake, active, and ready is exactly what it means to be “fully alive” in faith. A “fully alive” Christian is not simply breathing and existing but is alert in love, generous in service, and anchored in the hope of God’s Kingdom. Readiness for the Master’s return is not about fearful waiting—it’s about living each moment vibrantly in Christ, allowing His grace to animate our thoughts, words, and deeds.

A Rich Fool Being Fooled by God

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 03, 2025

Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21–23; Psalm 90:3–17; Colossians 3:1–5, 9–11; Luke 12:13–21

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/UVVhworHsOc

Believing in oneself is a sign of courage and determination—a commitment to live life with purpose and depth. It reflects a healthy self-awareness, where one recognizes both strengths and limitations, and learns to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom. However, trouble arises when our belief shifts from inner conviction to external possessions—when we place our trust in material wealth, power, or status. These, as life often reminds us, are fleeting and uncertain. Nothing in this world is permanent, not even life itself. What endures is the love we show, the care we extend, and the compassion we offer to those around us. To live meaningfully is to live for others—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and acknowledging that every person has a place in this world. The readings on this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to reflect deeply on these truths and challenge us to embrace a life rooted in divine wisdom and genuine care for others.

1. The Uncertainty of Earthly Security 

We have this beautiful Gospel reading from St Luke 12:13-21. It's a parable about the rich man who cared very little about others. He believed in his wealth, harvest, grains and the barns that he had built. The parable of the rich fool is not just about money — it’s about where we place our ultimate trust. The man had a great harvest, bigger barns, and grand plans. He was big in terms of material things, and now he wants to be even bigger. But he failed to realize that life is fragile and fleeting, and true security can never be stored in a barn.

The Holy Courage: The Boldness of Prayer and the Generosity of God

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time(Year C): July 27, 2025

Readings: Genesis 18:20–32; Psalm 138:1–3, 6–8; Colossians 2:12–14; Luke 11:1–13

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/wepJyRaSB3s

Prayer is a conversation with God. Prayer is opening oneself to the mercy of God. When we realize that we are made of finite, limited, mortal and dependent beings, naturally, there is an inner urge to look for something eternal, immortal, infinite, unlimited and independent. That is where we find the fulfilment of our lives. Only a higher being can satisfy our wants and needs. All that we hope to achieve is possible only by the grace of God. The readings of today are very special. They emphasize the breadth and depth of God, and moreover, the capacities of God. Even long ago, Abraham, the Father of Faith, made great strides in trying to convince God, in order, to save the cities in which he lived, namely Sodom and Gomorrah. On the other hand, Jesus teaches his disciples the simple truths of prayer. As we delve deeper into the readings of today, we see how God is truly caring for us.

1. “Lord, teach us to pray.”

St Luke writes (Luke 11:1–13) about the tender request made by one of Jesus' disciples. This request stems from a deeper longing and intimate connection with the Divine. The disciple did not ask, “Teach us how to preach,” or “Teach us how to perform miracles,” but “Teach us to pray.” It reveals a desire for intimacy with God, a longing to dwell in the mystery of His presence. In other words, the disciples had seen their master praying. So they wanted to imitate him, for they had seen the power of prayer in his preaching and healing. Often the world reminds us of our failures, inadequacies, and debts but Jesus gives us the liberating truth: You are not your past. You are not your mistakes. In Christ, your story has been rewritten.