How to Use Your Talents & Wealth Wisely – Nov 11 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 11, 2023, on the example of St Martin of Tours on how we should use our earthly wealth wisely by giving to the poor so that Our Lord will entrust us with eternal, spiritual wealth.

Father reflects on the Gospel of Saint Luke, specifically Chapter 16. He discusses the parable of the dishonest steward from Luke 16:1-13 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/16, emphasizing worldly wisdom versus spiritual wisdom. Our Lord advises using material wealth for spiritual gains, a concept underlined in Luke 16:9 - make friends with dishonest [material] wealth to be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

St. Augustine reflects on the transient nature of material wealth, urging almsgiving as a means of investing in God's kingdom. This is exemplified by St. Martin of Tours, who shared his cloak with a beggar and later saw Jesus wearing it in a dream, illustrating the blessings of charity.

He then explores the idea of true riches as mentioned in Luke 16:11 - if not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? This refers to spiritual wealth, such as virtues and God's grace, which are more valuable than worldly possessions.

Emphasizing the importance of almsgiving, the homily cites Matthew 6:3-4 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?3 - give alms in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. St. John Chrysostom and St. Augustine further explain this as doing good without seeking praise, focusing instead on God's approval.

He concludes by reminding us that our true home is in heaven, with our hearts belonging to Jesus and Mary. He encourages regular prayer, like the Hail Mary, as a form of spiritual almsgiving, beneficial to ourselves and others. The homily ends with a call to use our material wealth and gifts in a manner pleasing to God, preparing us for eternal love and joy.

Ave Maria!

00:00 - Introduction
00:13 - Being Wise in Spiritual Matters
01:11 - Encouragement to Give Alms
02:01 - Putting Hope in God Rather Than Possessions
03:06 - Example of St. Martin of Tours
04:53 - True Spiritual Riches vs Material Wealth
06:58 - Using Gifts Wisely or for Sin and Self
08:14 - God Sees in Secret and Rewards Openly
09:30 - Prayers as Almsgiving for Others' Good

Mass: St. Martin of Tours - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=81
Readings: Saturday 31st Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/111123.cfm
1st: rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27
Resp: psa 145:2-5, 10-11
Gsp: luk 16:9-15

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1192&r=1546

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