"Ang Mga Butang Nga Ginapasulabi Sang Tawo Ginakahigkuan Sang Dios"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 16:9-15)

"Gani sugiran ko kamo, gamita ninyo ang inyo manggad diri sa kalibutan para sa pagpakig-amigo, agod pag-abot sang adlaw nga wala na sang kalibutanon nga manggad, batunon nila kamo didto sa puluy-an nga wala na sing katapusan.

Ang tawo nga masaligan sa gagmay nga mga butang masaligan man sa dalagko nga mga butang. Kag ang tawo nga nagadaya sa gagmay nga mga butang, nagadaya man sa dalagko nga mga butang.

Gani kon indi kamo masaligan sa manggad sa kalibutan nga indi gid inyo, sin-o ang magatugyan sa inyo sang matuod gid nga manggad nga napreparar para sa inyo?

"Wala sang suluguon nga makaalagad sa duha ka agalon. Kay magasikway siya sa isa kag magahigugma sa isa; magadampig siya sa isa kag magapakalain sa isa. Indi man kamo makaalagad sing dungan sa Dios kag sa manggad."

Pagkabati sadto sang mga Pariseo, ginyaguta nila si Jesus kay dalok gid sila sa kuwarta.

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Ginapakita-kita lang ninyo sa mga tawo nga maayo kamo. Pero nahibaluan sang Dios kon ano gid ang sa inyo tagipusuon. Kay ang mga butang nga ginapasulabi sang tawo ginakahigkuan sang Dios.

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Meditation: 

What does "tainted money" (or "unrighteous mammon") have to do with heavenly treasure and eternal life? Jesus exhorts his disciples to be like the shrewd steward who used money generously to make friends and win for himself a secure and happy future (see the parable of the dishonest steward in Luke 16:1-9). Generous giving is connected with almsgiving – giving financial assistance to those in need (sell your possessions and give alms -Luke 12:33). Those who receive alms become your friends because you are merciful to them in their time of need, just as God is merciful to you in your need for his forgiveness and help. What is the enemy of generosity? It's greed, the excessive desire for personal gain and security. True generosity does not impoverish the giver, but enriches that person a hundredfold! Generosity expands the soul; greed contracts it. God is generous and superabundant in lavishing his gifts upon us. We can never outgive God in what he has already given to us. Do you know the joy and freedom of generosity and liberality in giving to others what God has so richly given to you?

Jesus concludes his parable with a lesson on what controls or rules our lives. Who is the master (or ruler) in charge of your life? Our "master" is that which governs our thought-life, shapes our ideals, controls the desires of the heart and the values we choose to live by. We can be ruled by many different things – the love of money or possessions, the power of position, the glamor of wealth and prestige, the driving force of unruly passions and addictions. Ultimately the choice boils down to two: God and "mammon". What is mammon? "Mammon" stands for "material wealth or possessions" or whatever tends to "control our appetites and desires". There is one Master alone who has the power to set us free from the slavery of sin and addiction. That Master is the Lord Jesus Christ.

God loves generosity and he gives generously and liberally to those who share his gifts with others. The Pharisees, however, had no room in their hearts for God. The gospel says they were lovers of money. Love of money and wealth crowd out love of God and love of neighbor. Jesus makes clear that our heart must either be possessed by God's love or our heart will be possessed by the love of something else. What does your heart most treasure?

"Lord Jesus, may the fire of your love burn in my heart that I may be wholly devoted to you above all else. Free me from greed and attachment to material things that I may be generous in using the gifts and resources you give me for your glory and for the good of my neighbor."