“You cannot serve God and money.” – Luke 16:13
An employee was offered a huge promotion requiring 80-hour weeks, missing his children’s milestones, and abandoning community commitments. The salary was life-changing, but the cost was his family and integrity. After a sleepless night, he declined. “I can’t serve that company and be the father I’m called to be,” he explained. “One will always suffer for the other.”
Jesus delivers one of the most piercing teachings of the Gospel: we cannot divide our ultimate loyalty between God and money. He does not condemn wealth itself, but the slavery to it. To “serve” implies total allegiance—the kind of loyalty a slave owes a master. Our hearts, trust, and priorities cannot be split. As Luke 16:10–12 shows, handling small resources faithfully trains us for spiritual responsibility. If we are untrustworthy with worldly wealth—the “mammon of iniquity”—we cannot be entrusted with eternal treasures. The Pharisees scoffed because their hearts were already captive to greed. God sees beyond outward appearances; He evaluates the heart. How we use money reveals who truly rules our lives. Our choices in finances, generosity, and priorities reflect our spiritual master. Examine your heart today. Use money as a tool, not a master. Choose whom you will serve.
A Journey of Reflection and Action
- Scripture Meditation: Spend time reflecting on the core verse, Luke 16:13: “You cannot serve God and money.” Use the reflection questions below to prompt deeper thought.
- Heart Examination (Journaling): Honestly examine your finances and schedule. Ask yourself:
- Where do I currently spend the majority of my time, energy, and money?
- If someone looked at my bank statements and calendar, what would they conclude is my ultimate priority/master?
- What is one practical step I can take this week to align my financial choices (spending, saving, giving) more closely with my commitment to God?
- Accountability & Discussion: Share the message with a trusted Christian friend or small group. Discuss the example of the employee in the reflection. What is the line between earning a living and becoming enslaved to a job/wealth? How can we practically use money as a tool for God’s Kingdom?
Join Us in Prayer 🙏
Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal any area where I have allowed the pursuit of wealth or worldly comfort to become a master over me. Grant me the wisdom and discipline to use the resources you entrust to me as a faithful tool for Your glory. Help me to prioritize eternal treasures and choose to serve only You, the one true Master. Amen.
Next Step on Your Journey
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Scripture Footnote & Further Reading
Gospel adapted from the Catholic Daily Reading of November 8, 2025
- First Reading: Philippians 3:17—4:1
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1–2, 3–4ab, 4cd–5
- Alleluia: John 17:17b, 17a
- Gospel: Luke 16:1–13
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