Homily Thirty-First Saturday of Ordinary Time (Lk 16: 9-15) “Worldly Wealth Can Be Used for Heavenly Good.”
Homily Thirty-First Saturday of Ordinary Time (Lk 16: 9-15) “Worldly Wealth Can Be Used for Heavenly Good.”
Jesus continues his reflection on material wealth. He makes the point that those who are wealthy should use their monies for the benefit of those in need. Philanthropic people can do a lot of good in the world.
I benefited several times in my education from the generosity of people of means. When I entered seminary college, I was a Junior. I had a few dollars saved, but I did not know how I was going to pay for all my educational expenses.
When I inquired about this, I was told that I since I was a junior in college my tuition, room and board would be paid for by the Fr. Fitzgerald fund. Fr. Fitzgerald was a long-time pastor of St. Mark’s in Peoria. His family owned a steel mill in Central Illinois and Fr. Fitzgerald had inherited a large amont of money. Fr. Fitzgerald’s goals was to give all his wealth away before he died. He thought he had.
But when he died, he still had many assets that he gave to the Diocese of Peoria. Part of that money was put into a trust to educate college seminarians. I benefited from this trust. A priest I never knew helped me to get through college and graduate school and to be debt free.
When I was attending Creighton University studying for a graduate degree, we received half price tuition because of an endowment from a wealthy individual who wanted to promote Ignatian Spirituality. I was most grateful for this financial help as well.
We can use our resources to touch the lives of people for generations to come. We just need to be willing not to invest in things that are worldly, but in things that are charitable. We need to be able to ask the right question which is not what is in if for me, but what will promote the common good.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever benefited from the generosity from someone I did not know? How did that a make me feel?
- What could I do to help those who need it? Do I think everyone should help themselves or do I believe that some people will not make it without assistance?
Dear Parishioners,
The number of COVID cases continue to climb in our community. Our hospitals are reaching capacity. We need to be aware that our actions can have an impact on this situation. We need to wear masks, social distance and keep washing our hand. I am tired of hearing this, but we are at critical tipping point.
Let’ pray for those nurses, doctors and technicians who take care of the sick. When we take the protocols seriously, we are showing our love for our medical professionals.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark