31st Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 05th November 2022 — Gospel: Lk 16,9-15
God Knows the Hearts
Today’s Gospel goes deeper into steward’s heart, which is a continuation of yesterday’s theme. Jesus speaks about the person’s focus. It cannot be divided. It is either set on God or set on money. It cannot be set on both. Jesus places this dichotomy before the Pharisees as an examination of conscience, as a glimpse into the deeper motives of the heart. And so, Jesus addressed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees by saying, “God knows their heart.” Jesus knew that the Pharisees sought wealth and possessions. Outwardly they sought public approval. They worked hard to impress people so that they would appear godly and wise. Despite their strict religious fervor, they cultivated godless values just like the unbelieving worldly crowd. They even claimed that their wealth was God’s reward for their righteous living. Their actions were inconsistent with who they really were in their hearts. Because of which, Jesus harshly criticized their outward displays of piety. God knows the motives behind every action because He knows every human heart (1 Kgs 8,39; Acts 1,24; 15,8). Since God knows our hearts, we ought to always live to please him alone and not worry about impressing others.
