25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

09-21-2025Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

As Catholics we understand that none of our actions are truly isolated. Every virtue we practice or sin we commit affects others because we are all members of the body of Christ. Today’s readings from the Old and New Testaments highlight our interconnectedness and offer guidance for how to order the life of the community according to God’s will. The key to tranquil communal life is to consider the needs of others as important as our own. In the first reading, the prophet Amos decries those who exploit the poor for personal gain, putting profit over the common good.

In the second reading, St. Paul begs the community to pray not only for themselves and for their close relatives, but to offer prayer and supplication for everyone. It’s tempting to buy into the perspective that we need only focus on our own life. But the Lord invites us into authentic community where we intercede, sacrifice for and build up the kingdom together.

I like to think of myself as a trustworthy person, and I’d expect most of us would consider ourselves the same. But as the Lord convicts my heart with today’s Gospel reading about those who are trustworthy or untrustworthy in big and small matters, I hear the Holy Spirit inviting me to ponder deeper questions: Perhaps I don’t intentionally deceive people and I aim to keep my word, but when someone’s name or reputation comes up in conversation, can I be trusted to build them up? Do I fall prey to petty gossip, or simply sit idly by as others fall? I am true to scheduled commitments I make, but am I trustworthy with how I spend all my time? Do I use the gift of time for God’s greater glory, or do I squander it with excessive scrolling or mindless TV shows? The Spirit doesn’t want us to be scrupulous, and everything must be understood through God’s merciful gaze. But the Lord does intend to purify us so that we can live more fully in communion with him.

Today, consider how you are invited to live in community and contribute to the building of a Christ-like culture. How are you called to more trustworthy stewardship of the gifts and time God has given you so that you can use them for building up the body of Christ?