What does it mean to make friends with dishonest wealth as Jesus tells us to do in Luke 16: 9? It sounds a little like I am to buddy-up with conniving, cheating schemers. And maybe I am if I would have any chance of influencing them to change for the good of His kingdom.

But I think Jesus is instructing us to be trustworthy with the money and resources that we have. The gifts He has given us. It means being a responsible steward.

A good formula for responsible financial stewardship is to tithe 10%, save 10% and live on 80%. Do this and all will work out. It just does.

So, tith and give to good causes, serving God and not mammon.

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I love Jesus’ response to those crafty Pharisees who are trying to trap Him on paying taxes. Remember, they asked Him, “Is it right to pay?”

“Whose image is on the coin?” Jesus asked them in return. You know the rest…

The question for us is, “Whose image is on our hearts?”

Whose are we? To whom do we belong? We are to pay to God what is God’s – all that we are, all that we have, all our Time, Talent, and Treasure.

He reminds us again, It’s Not Our Money!

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Why did Jesus respond so harshly to the Canaanite woman who only wanted healing for her daughter in Matthew 15? It seems He discriminated against her race. Even called her a dog.

Could it be that He placed obstacles before her to challenge her to an even deeper faith?
Could it be that He was drawing her out and so lifting her up as an example of perseverance in faith and trust?

Many of us have had financial obstacles these past few years; cut in income or outright job loss, real estate values less than mortgage balances, lower balances in retirement accounts than five years ago, and more.

What has been our response? Like the Canaanite woman, we are to persevere in faith and trust and keep giving!
Give – not more than we have, but according to our means, from our first fruits. Keep giving and persevere. Because –

It’s Not Our Money!

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That poor widow in Luke 21 didn’t give much money. But it was everything she had. It is one of the best examples of trust and total dependence on God to provide for our very sustenance.

If the government cuts social service for our poor and needy neighbors, will we – the Church – make up the short fall?

We can if we will rely totally on God for our needs.

So give! And give gladly because, It’s Not Your Money.

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Isaiah implores us in chapter 40 verse 1 to give comfort to people. We all need comfort from God.

Many institutions strive to bring God’s comfort to people in need. But in this difficult economic environment, they need more money to be effective.

So – Give Money!

Give to the soup kitchen. Give to pro-life causes. Give to family and young children support organizations. Give to St. Anthony, St. Joseph and other Christian schools. Give to Catholic radio.

Give because – It’s Not Your Money

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