Today’s Gospel reading says, “You cannot serve both God and money.” We need money to live, yet it should never distract us from trusting, and depending on God. Financial stability can only take us so far; being founded on faith is far more important. To pay the temple tax, Jesus instructed St. Peter to go fishing and to take the coin from the mouth of the fish. When the Lord was buried, it was in a new tomb offered by a wealthy man, Joseph of Arimathea. How we use our resources must be discerned carefully and prayerfully. Everything belongs to God. We are only custodians and stewards of his creation. Therefore, let us be diligent in using wisely the wealth, talents, opportunities, and property entrusted to us. Let us also remember that much is expected from those to whom much is given. May we glorify and magnify God in all our dealings and transactions, and may we joyfully serve the Lord and his kingdom with all that we have received from him.

PRAYER: Abba Father, strengthen us to be good stewards of your creation. Amen.