Lavishly He Gives to the Poor

There's a lot of "money talk" in today's readings.  St. Paul tells the Philippians that he knows how to live in "humble circumstances" as well as in lavish; Jesus says that we cannot serve two masters, God  and mammon.  We must choose one. (Cf. Lk 16: 12).  The Psalmist that God gives lavishly to the poor. (Ps 112: 8a).  Where does today's disciple of Jesus stand?  In the same place as always.  With hard earned wealth comes the responsibility of using it properly:  keeping it from replacing God, and sharing it with those who have less.  If God, the Creator can lavish his gifts upon the poor,  so much more do we, who are only stewards of wealth have the duty to help those who have less, despite their efforts to work, earn, or be self-sufficient.  At times a kind sharing can be just the link that puts them in a position to take care of themselves.  My we be sensitive to how and where we can help.
Bro. Rene