FIRST
READING: Philippians
4: 10 - 19
10
I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived
your concern for me; you were indeed concerned for me, but you had no
opportunity.
11
Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I
am, to be content.
12
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all
circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger,
abundance and want.
13
I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
14
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
15
And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the
gospel, when I left Macedo'nia, no church entered into partnership
with me in giving and receiving except you only;
16
for even in Thessaloni'ca you sent me help once and again.
17
Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to
your credit.
18
I have received full payment, and more; I am filled, having received
from Epaphrodi'tus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a
sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in
glory in Christ Jesus.
PSALM:
Psalms 112:
1 - 2, 5 - 6, 8 - 9
1
Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly
delights in his commandments!
2
His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the
upright will be blessed.
5
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts
his affairs with justice.
6
For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered for
ever.
8
His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire
on his adversaries.
9
He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his
righteousness endures for ever; his horn is exalted in honor.
GOSPEL:
Luke 16:
9 - 15
9
And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous
mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal
habitations.
10
"He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much;
and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.
11
If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who
will entrust to you the true riches?
12
And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who
will give you that which is your own?
13
No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and
love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the
other. You cannot serve God and mammon."
14
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they
scoffed at him.
15
But he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves
before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men
is an abomination in the sight of God.
