Reflection on Luke 16:9-15 ~
Jesus speaks to the poor and the poor of spirit and the rich and those rich in spirit. These are not necessarily synonymous. If you are poor or rich but generous with God’s gifts of your time, talent, or treasures, you will be rich in spirit. To be rich in spirit comes with serving the Lord as master. I have previously learned that to think rich people are not generous or willing to be or have yet to consider the possibility created a wall around my thoughts. I know firsthand that to love requires an open heart.
The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot (full-resolution painting) and more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 16:9-15 – Scripture*
9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
10 “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? 13 No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
The Law and the Kingdom of God
14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. 15 So he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 16:9-15 Reflection – Love Requires an Open Heart.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 16 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.