Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
XXXI Week in Ordinary Time
Phil 4:10-19; Lk 16:9-15
Renouncing Wealth
In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses the single word “wealth” in three different ways:
(a) “Make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth.”
(b) “Who will entrust to you the true riches?”
(c) “You cannot serve both God and wealth.”
By using the expression “dishonest wealth,” Jesus makes it clear that wealth is something to be used, not the goal of life.
“True riches” refers to the things of the Kingdom of God. These are riches that no one can take away from us, that thieves cannot steal, and that decay cannot destroy. God Himself is this true wealth. It consists in holding on to God and in allowing God to become the fullness of our life.
Third, Jesus places wealth in direct contrast with God. Between “God” and “wealth,” a person must ultimately choose one. One stands against the other.
In Luke’s Gospel, whenever Jesus speaks about discipleship, there is often also a reference to renouncing money or possessions. Luke understands wealth and money as one of the great obstacles to discipleship.
At the end of today’s Gospel, Luke says: “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and ridiculed Jesus.”
The Pharisees thought that their wealth was a sign that they were righteous. In order to preserve this image, they were ready to seek wealth in every possible way. But Jesus points out that inwardly they are not righteous.
Wealth may accompany us on the journey, but it does not need to become the road itself or the destination of the journey.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
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