Detachment

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

07 September 2025

 

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17

Second Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

“Anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” - Luke 14:33

In the world we live in, a lot of us value possession over love of neighbor and charity for the poor. Social media is filled with influencers who flaunt their excessive wealth for the purpose of gaining fame and significance. Even to the point of excess and absence of caring and sharing to others.

We all have those tendencies. I am not an exemption. The Lord in today’s Gospel challenges us to be detached or not to be controlled by material things or possessions we have. But, the Lord does not necessarily command us to give away all we possess. We simply must not cling to our material possessions but instead we need to use our wealth to help others. We are called to be good stewards of the blessings we receive and not to hoard or store it for our selfish gain.

This is really in great contrast to what we see in our society, community, and the whole world today. We all have these tendencies to always strive to have more money and investment than others. To be more famous than my peers. To have more properties and SUVs.

Today’s Gospel reminds me to be detached, to put God first above all material possessions, or title or fame. To be good stewards of the blessings I received and to always find true security, happiness and contentment in Him alone!

Prayer

Lord, I pray that I always be reminded that all that I possess is Your gift that I must use to help those in need. Make me more generous and detached to all that we have. Use me and my possessions to support ministries, works and missions to help those in need. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.