🙏 Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
we come before You with gratitude for Your merciful love.
As we hear Your Word today, open our hearts and minds that we may receive it with faith and live it with courage.
Grant us the grace to serve You alone, to value eternal treasures over earthly ones, and to use the gifts You entrust to us for the building up of Your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
📖 Readings
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First Reading: Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27. USCCB+1
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11. USCCB+1
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Gospel: Luke 16:9-15. catholiclectionary.com+1
📚 Brief Explanation & Application
First Reading (Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27)
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Summary: The Apostle Paul greets many of his co-workers in Christ: Prisca (Prisca & Aquila), Epaenetus, Mary, Andronicus & Junia, Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys … then he offers a doxology: “Now to him who is able to strengthen you … to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” USCCB+1
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Key themes: Christian fellowship and service; recognition of those who “risked their necks” for the Gospel (v.4). The mystery of the Gospel revealed to all nations (v.26-27).
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Application for you & catechumens:
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Appreciate the community: recognise those who serve, encourage and build up the Church.
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Reflect: What gifts or services has God given me? Am I using them for building up the Body of Christ?
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For catechumens: As you prepare to enter fully into Church life, take heart from those who preceded you and served Christ — you are part of that same mission.
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Psalm (Psalm 145:2-3,4-5,10-11)
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Summary: A hymn of praise: “I will praise your name for ever, Lord. Every day I will bless you … Great is the LORD and highly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable … Let all your works give you thanks… let the faithful bless you.” USCCB+1
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Key themes: God’s greatness, his works, his faithfulness. The call of all creation and all the faithful to praise him.
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Application:
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Take time today simply to praise God — acknowledging his greatness and faithfulness in your life.
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Notice his “works” in everyday life — nature, blessings, human service, all pointing to him.
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For catechumens: Let this Psalm help you grow in a habit of praise, not just asking God for things, but rejoicing in who he is.
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Gospel (Luke 16:9-15)
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Summary: Jesus teaches: “Make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings … No servant can serve two masters. You cannot serve God and mammon.” USCCB+1 And he adds: “What is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.” (v.15)
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Key themes: Stewardship of earthly goods, making them serve eternal ends; loyalty to God rather than wealth; authenticity in serving God (not just outward appearance).
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Application:
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Evaluate your relationship with “wealth” or “possessions” — are they masters, or are they means toward God’s kingdom?
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Consider: How can I use what I have (skills, time, money) to serve God and neighbour?
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For catechumens: This reading invites you to enter Christian life not as a passive receiver but as an active steward; you join a tradition where everything has value insofar as it helps you serve God and others.
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🎯 Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
you taught us that a person cannot serve both God and riches.
Grant us the wisdom to invest in what endures: your kingdom, your truth, your love.
May the praises of your faithful rise every day as a fragrant offering to our Father.
Pour out your Spirit upon us, that we may serve joyfully, live authentically, and welcome into eternal dwellings those whom we lead to you.
We ask this in your holy name.
Amen.
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