Using Wealth Wisely: Investing in Eternal Treasures

Nov 08, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Faithful Stewardship—Serving God, Not Mammon

Jesus teaches that one cannot serve both God and wealth, warning that devotion to money leads to divided loyalties and spiritual emptiness. True wealth is found in faithfulness to God, using material resources as tools for good rather than letting them become idols. The heart’s allegiance is revealed in how one handles even the smallest matters, and trustworthiness in little things prepares us for greater spiritual responsibility. The call is to invest in what is eternal, not to be mastered by fleeting riches. [07:04]

Luke 16:9-15 (ESV):
And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

Reflection:
What is one practical way you can use your resources today to serve God and others, rather than letting money or possessions dictate your priorities?

Day 2: Investing in Eternity—The True Value of Our Choices

Earthly investments may bring comfort and even align with moral values, but they are not the sum of our calling. The invitation is to invest in eternity by prioritizing the works of mercy, generosity, and the pursuit of what is true, good, and beautiful. When we use our resources for God’s purposes, we participate in something lasting, ensuring that our hearts remain set on Him rather than on temporary gain. [10:56]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV):
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection:
What is one act of mercy or generosity you can intentionally invest in this week that will have eternal significance?

Day 3: The Deceptive Promises of Wealth

Wealth often promises happiness, security, and fulfillment, but when it becomes an idol, it leaves us empty and dissatisfied. Like the devil’s empty show, riches can lure us with false assurances, only to deliver deeper misery if we serve them above God. True joy and peace come from renouncing these empty promises and placing our trust in God, who alone satisfies the deepest longings of the heart. [09:58]

1 Timothy 6:9-10 (ESV):
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Reflection:
Is there a promise of wealth or success that you have been tempted to chase? How can you surrender this to God and seek His lasting joy instead?

Day 4: The Communion of Saints—Mutual Support in Christ

The early church was marked by deep relationships, sacrificial support, and a spirit of gratitude for one another. Paul’s greetings to his co-workers and friends in Christ remind us that faith is lived out in community, where we risk for each other, serve together, and give thanks for the gifts God has given through others. The church is strengthened when each member invests in the lives of others with love and humility. [03:21]

Romans 16:3-7 (ESV):
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.

Reflection:
Who in your faith community has supported or encouraged you? How can you express gratitude or offer support to someone else this week?

Day 5: Humility and Praise—Following the Example of Mary

Mary’s humility and willingness to receive God’s word made her the vessel of salvation for the world. Her example calls us to approach God with humility, to recognize His mighty deeds, and to echo her hymn of praise. When we acknowledge our lowliness and God’s greatness, we open ourselves to His mercy and become instruments of His grace in the world. [15:05]

Luke 1:46-49 (ESV):
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

Reflection:
In what area of your life do you need to practice humility and gratitude today, following Mary’s example of praise and trust in God?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered in the grace and peace of our Lord, opening our hearts to the mystery of God’s mercy and the call to live with integrity and purpose. We began by acknowledging our need for forgiveness, recognizing that Christ came to heal the contrite and call sinners, and that only through God’s mercy are we brought to everlasting life. In our prayers, we sought the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking that under her protection, we might participate joyfully in her commemoration and follow her example of humility and faith.

The reading from Romans reminded us of the importance of community and gratitude. Paul’s greetings to his co-workers in Christ, those who risked much for the sake of the Gospel, and those who labored in love, highlight the value of relationships rooted in faith. The early Church was a network of believers who supported one another, and we are called to continue this legacy—greeting one another with a holy kiss, building each other up, and investing in relationships that reflect Christ’s love.

The Gospel from Luke challenged us to examine our relationship with wealth and possessions. Jesus’ words—“make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth”—invite us to use the resources of this world not as ends in themselves, but as means to serve others and invest in what is eternal. Wealth is called “dishonest” not because it is inherently evil, but because it promises much and delivers little; it can easily become an idol if we serve it rather than God. The temptation is to make friends with wealth itself, to trust in its empty promises, but we are called instead to use it for good, to serve God and neighbor, and to invest in the works of mercy.

Reflecting on this, I shared a personal story about the allure of comfort and privilege, and how easy it is to become attached to the perks of wealth. Yet, as Christians, we are reminded in our baptismal promises to renounce Satan and all his empty show. Riches, when idolized, can lead us into deeper misery, just as the devil’s promises do. Even as we seek to invest morally and responsibly in this world, we must remember that our true investment is in eternity—using our resources to bring about what is true, good, and beautiful, and to participate in the works of mercy that have lasting value.

We lifted up prayers for those who struggle with the idol of wealth, for our benefactors, for the sick and the deceased, and for all who are in need. United in the Eucharist, we gave thanks for God’s abundant mercy, asking to be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, and to be made worthy heirs of eternal life.

Key Takeaways

1. Use Wealth as a Tool, Not a Master Wealth is not inherently evil, but it is “dishonest” in that it promises fulfillment it cannot deliver. The call is to use our resources to serve others and invest in what is eternal, rather than allowing wealth to become an idol that shapes our desires and decisions. True freedom comes when we use what we have for God’s purposes, not when we are used by it. [08:20]
2. Invest in Eternal Relationships Paul’s greetings in Romans show the value of relationships rooted in faith and sacrificial love. Investing in people—supporting, encouraging, and building up the body of Christ—yields dividends that last beyond this life. Our legacy is not in what we accumulate, but in the lives we touch and the community we build. [03:04]
3. Renounce Empty Promises Both the devil and wealth offer empty promises that can lead to deeper misery if we make them our focus. The Christian life is a continual renunciation of these false hopes, choosing instead to trust in God’s mercy and to seek what is true, good, and beautiful. This requires vigilance and humility, recognizing that only God can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. [09:58]
4. Invest in Works of Mercy True Christian investment is found in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. By using our resources to care for the poor, comfort the afflicted, and bring about justice and beauty, we participate in God’s kingdom and store up treasures in heaven. These are the investments that endure and bring lasting joy. [10:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Penitential Rite and Mercy
[02:18] - Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary
[02:47] - Reading from Romans: Community and Gratitude
[03:40] - Greeting One Another in Christ
[04:17] - The Mystery Revealed in Christ
[05:00] - Psalm: Praising God’s Name Forever
[06:20] - Gospel Reading: Wealth and Trustworthiness
[07:48] - Understanding “Dishonest Wealth”
[08:39] - The Allure and Danger of Comfort
[09:58] - Renouncing Empty Promises
[10:27] - Christian Investing and Eternal Perspective
[11:12] - Prayers for the Community
[13:09] - Preparation of the Gifts
[14:51] - Thanksgiving and Praise with Mary
[16:06] - Institution Narrative: The Eucharist
[17:47] - Prayers for the Church and the Faithful
[18:58] - The Lord’s Prayer and Peace
[20:04] - Sign of Peace

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 16:3-7, 16, 25-27 (ESV)
> Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me... Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you... Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Luke 16:9-13 (ESV)
> And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Observation Questions

In Romans 16, what kinds of relationships does Paul highlight as important within the early church? What actions or qualities does he mention about these people? [03:04]
According to Jesus in Luke 16, what is the purpose of using “dishonest wealth”? What does he say will happen when it fails? [06:20]
What does Jesus mean when he says, “No servant can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and mammon”? [07:04]
In the sermon, what personal example did the pastor share about the allure of comfort and privilege? [08:39]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul spend so much time greeting and thanking specific people in Romans 16? What does this reveal about the kind of community he wants to build? [03:04]
Jesus calls wealth “dishonest” in Luke 16. What does the sermon say is “dishonest” about wealth, and how does this affect the way Christians should view their resources? [08:20]
The sermon mentions the baptismal promise to “renounce Satan and all his empty show.” How does this relate to the temptation to idolize wealth or comfort? [09:58]
The pastor talks about investing not just in this world, but in eternity. What does it mean to “invest in works of mercy,” and why is this considered a lasting investment? [10:56]

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Wealth is not inherently evil, but it is ‘dishonest’ in that it promises fulfillment it cannot deliver.” Can you think of a time when you expected money or possessions to bring you happiness, but it didn’t last? How did that experience shape your view of wealth? [08:20]
Paul’s greetings in Romans show the value of relationships rooted in faith. Who in your life has supported or encouraged you in your faith journey? How can you intentionally invest in those relationships this week? [03:04]
The pastor shared a story about the perks of first-class travel and how easy it is to get attached to comfort. Are there comforts or privileges in your life that you find yourself clinging to? What would it look like to hold them more loosely? [08:39]
The sermon challenges us to “renounce empty promises” and not let wealth or the devil’s lies shape our desires. What are some “empty promises” you are tempted to believe? How can you remind yourself of God’s truth instead? [09:58]
“Invest in works of mercy” was a key takeaway. What is one practical way you can use your resources—time, money, or talents—to serve someone in need this month? [10:56]
The early church was described as a network of believers who supported one another. Is there someone in your church or community who needs encouragement or practical help right now? How could you reach out to them this week? [03:04]
The sermon included prayers for those who struggle with the idol of wealth. Are there areas in your life where you feel money or possessions have too much influence? What is one step you can take to put God first in that area? [11:12]

Sermon Clips

“I misunderstood that phrase for the majority of my life. You know, I thought it meant kind of the same thing as make friends with nature or make friends with Ohio weather or you'll be miserable. Finally, it got through my thick skull that it meant use dishonest wealth to make friends, not make friends with the dishonest wealth.”

“And why is it dishonest? Because it promises so much and delivers so very little. Now, I would admit there are perks. It's nice to be in this beautiful, warm, and dry building rather than under a bridge or on the front of a jeep celebrating mass.”

“But making friends with the wealth instead of making friends using the wealth has its dangers. In baptism, one of the the pledges that we ask, do you renounce Satan and all his empty show and all his empty promises? The devil will promise you everything but deliver you into a deeper misery despite of it.”

“Riches when they are served as an idol can do the same. It promises everything, an easy life, but it can leave you with empty show. Recently, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal that talked about investment firms are finally providing venues for investing investments that are in line with Catholic teaching.”

“For a long time, uh they did not despite the hue and cry for it. and the Catholic bishops of the United States were hailing this as a breakthrough in Christian investing. But it should be remembered from today's reading that it is not the totality of that in which we should invest.”

“This type of investing may be more moral and the dividends will pay off well in this world, but one should also invest in eternity, not just this world. To make sure God is our God and not make money an idol, to use it and not be used by it.”

“To invest in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and to bring about into the world all that is true, good, and beautiful. To use dishonest wealth that promises all good things but does not deliver to invest in that which has eternal rewards.”

“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones, and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. If therefore you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth?”

“If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

“For what is of humanistine is an abomination in the sight of God.”

“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners. They are prominent among the apostles and they were in Christ before me. Greet Amplatis, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanis, our c-orker in Christ, and my beloved Stacis.”

“Now to him who can strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages, but now manifested through the prophetic writings and according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith.”

“To the only wise God through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

“It should be remembered from today's reading that it is not the totality of that in which we should invest. This type of investing may be more moral and the dividends will pay off well in this world, but one should also invest in eternity, not just this world.”

“To make sure God is our God and not make money an idol, to use it and not be used by it. To invest in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and to bring about into the world all that is true, good, and beautiful.”

“Use dishonest wealth that promises all good things but does not deliver to invest in that which has eternal rewards.”

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