25th Sunday in Ordinary TimeAm 8:4-7
1 Tm 2:1-8
Lk 16:1-13 or 16:10-13
We are half-way through September and that finds us at the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Once again this weekend offers us a longer and a shorter form of the Gospel. The longer form includes the parable of the "unjust" or "shrewd" steward who cuts deals with his master's debtors to secure his own position. The parable is followed by a short collection of sayings on how one serves one's rightful master. The shorter form of the Gospel includes only the collection of sayings and omits the longer parable.
The first reading from the prophet Amos, addresses some unjust merchants whose business dealings cheat the very poor. The prophet Amos warns that the Lord will not forget their shameless abuse of those in need.
And the second reading is from Timothy and includes some guidelines for Church ministry and the liturgical activities of the Christian assembly. Keep your eyes open because you will see some of the roots of our own intercessions at Sunday Mass. The passage concludes with testimony to Christ and an admonition that we pray without anger or argument between us.
Please pray for Father Francis. Let us continue to call upon the name of Mary to watch over her faithful son!
