It is 18th September 2016. We celebrate the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings are from Amos 8:4-7; 1Timothy 2:1-8; and the Gospel from Luke 16:1-13. In the first reading, the Prophet Amos instructs us that we must be fair in dealing with the poor. We are asked to examine our attitude towards the poor when we are swimming in wealth. God remembers all the evil we have done against the poor. The catechism reprimands us saying, “Every practice that reduces persons to nothing more than a means of profit enslaves man, leads to idolizing money, and contributes to the spread of atheism.” (CCC 2424:335). The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.” (Ps.113:1). The second reading invites everyone to pray for all people and especially those who lead and hold responsibilities. “In every place we should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.” (1 Tim.2:8). In the Gospel, Jesus is warning us about the dangers of money and wealth. Money is the least treasure one could have at all times. Money is only a means but not the end. Money is indeed a passing guest not a loving friend. Money can bring happiness when it is spent to alleviate the pains of those who suffer. Being accountable and transparent with money and wealth, the least treasures of the world, make us worthy beneficiaries of the great treasures of God. The question is how sincere are we with these little things we are entrusted with? The love of money is the poison that kills the human soul in relating with God and others. Human heart has the capacity to love only one thing at a time. There is no multitasking tool in loving God and money. True happiness comes only in sharing with the poor. Money has the power to take us to God or to Satan. Either it can sanctify us and dump us in hell. The root of all evil is the love of money and the unwillingness to share the wealth with the others. Hoarding is satanic, selfish and evil so it leaves no place for God. May the Lord enlighten our minds to become the worthy partakers of God’s gifts by being trustworthy and honest. Have a good day. God bless you.