Delivered by Calvin from the Parish of Hati Santa Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. Romans 16: 3-9.16.22-27; Rs psalm 145: 2-3.4-5.10-11; Luke 16: 9-15.

IT IS NOT PERMISSIBLE TO SERVE TWO MASTERS

Our meditation today is entitled: It is notpermissible to serve two masters. There is a simple employee named Luke whoworks honestly every day even though his salary is not big. He refuses toaccept small bribes that could increase his income, because he wants to live inGod's providence. At first he was seen as stupid by his colleagues, but after afew years, his honesty earned him trust to lead a major project. Luke not onlyreceived a promotion, but was also respected for his integrity. Faithfulness insmall things brings great blessings, like God's own promises.

Jesus says in the Gospel of Luke that no one can servetwo masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will beloyal to the one and ignore the other. "You cannot serve God andMammon" (Lk 16:13 ).

This expression rebukes people who often want to holdtwo things at once: serve God, but still maintain attachment to wealth,comfort, or ego. Jesus reminds that the direction of the human heart can onlylead to one center of love. If God is the center, then all life will bedirected to glorify Him. But if Mammon — the symbol of greed and worldly power— takes center stage, then life loses its spiritual light and meaning.

Serving God means making His will the basis of everychoice, even in seemingly minor matters. Jesus affirms, "Whoever isfaithful in small things is faithful also in great." True loyalty does notwait for a great opportunity, but is proven through sincerity in simplematters: honesty in work, patience in the face of difficult people, andgenerosity towards others. God doesn't see how much work we produce, but ratherhow much love moves that action.

Saint Paul also gave an example of this. In hisletters, he often expressed his gratitude to those who faithfully served himduring his Gospel preaching journey. They not only helped materially, but alsoprovided faithfulness, prayer, and support when Paul was suffering. Theirfaithfulness shows that service is not just a task, but a form of love that isconstantly given, even when no one is watching.

True faithfulness and dedication require a cleardecision: choosing God as the only source of life. The world may offer a lot ofinteresting things—power, money, and popularity—but all of that passes quickly.On the contrary, faithfulness to God produces inner peace and joy that cannotbe bought. A person who serves the Lord lives in the belief that every blessingand trial is part of His plan of love.

Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord, strengthenour faith so that we can keep Your will first and be able to abandon allinterests that can distance us from You. Glory to the Father and to the Son andto the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...