Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 8 November ’24. Means and ends

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 8 November 2024

XXXI Week in Ordinary Time, Friday

Philippians 3:17-4:1. Psalm 122:1-2, 4-5. Luke 16:1-8

Means and ends

Differentiating means from ends requires discernment. Resources and relationships are not ends in themselves but are means to reach a greater purpose—such as the Kingdom of God, heaven, or God Himself. This realization dawns on us when we embrace a broader vision of life, one rooted in deep faith. In the parable, the steward views wealth as a tool to achieve his goals; similarly, Paul exhorts the Philippians to journey toward heaven, the ultimate goal of our earthly pilgrimage.

First Reading Reflection [Phil 3:17-4:1]

a. Paul’s imitable authenticity and credibility: Paul exhorts the Philippians ‘to be like him’ or ‘to imitate him.’ His credible witness is enviable. Will we able to witness as Paul does? Is my life worth imitating?

b. Citizenship in heaven: As Christians, we are called to remember that our true citizenship is in heaven, shaping our actions, values, and hope beyond earthly concerns. Our plans here on earth must have ‘God’ in them.

c. Community ownership: Paul owns his community members and celebrates them as ‘his joy and crown,’ and he loves and longs for them. He was able to do this because he stood ‘firm in the Lord’ and loved them in the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm Reflection [Ps 122:1-2, 4-5]

a. Joy in coming to God’s house: The psalmist’s joy at entering the house of the Lord inspires us to approach worship with gratitude and eagerness, celebrating the gift of God’s presence.

b. Unity in worship: The gathering of the tribes in Jerusalem highlights the strength and unity found in collective worship, reminding us of the importance of community in our faith journey.

c. God’s justice and peace: Jerusalem is the seat of justice for God’s people; this calls us to pray for and work towards peace and justice, grounded in God’s will, in our own communities.

Gospel Reading Reflection [Lk 16:1-8]

a. Wisdom in stewardship: The steward uses foresight and resourcefulness, reminding us to be wise and intentional with the resources God entrusts to us for His purposes.

b. Prioritizing eternal values: Jesus encourages us to consider how we invest our time, energy, and resources, calling us to prioritize what has lasting, eternal value over worldly gains.

c. Learning the right lesson: The parable is not about ‘abusing’ the resources that we are entrusted with, but about ‘manipulating’ them for our self-interest and growth. One may argue that ‘end does not justify the means,’ but the learning here is amoral.

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The ‘pilgrims of hope’ differentiate between the means and the ends and use the means to reach their ends (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 243).

Yesu Karunanidhi (@ Sower)

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy