Readings: Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Psalm 145; Luke 16:9-15
In this Gospel, Jesus teaches that whoever is dishonest in little things will also be dishonest in great things. He reminds us that faithfulness in small matters is the foundation of trust in greater things.
He says: “If you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16:12).
This is a divine principle – honesty and trustworthiness are the hallmarks of a true Christian disciple. As Christians, we must be people whom God and others can trust. In this reflection, let us look at three significant areas where God calls us to be trustworthy.
A. Trustworthy with people
God has placed certain people in our lives – family, friends, God-children, parishioners, co-workers, and those we guide or lead. We must prove ourselves trustworthy in how we treat and support them.
In the First Reading, St. Paul mentions people who supported him in his ministry – Priscilla, Aquila, and others. These were people whose faith and integrity strengthened him. Paul, too, was trustworthy in his relationships; he influenced others by his holy example, his sound teaching, and his sincere love.
We too must be people who lift others up, not pull them down.
We must never mislead anyone by our bad example, gossip, or double standards. The people around us should grow in goodness and in faith because of our influence.
B. Trustworthy with money
This is the central point of today’s Gospel. Jesus says that we cannot serve both God and money. Money itself is not evil, but our attitude to it reveals the state of our heart.
To be trustworthy with money means to seek it honestly, to spend it wisely, and to handle it transparently. When a Christian cannot be trusted with money, something is wrong spiritually. This was the weakness of Judas, It was not poverty that destroyed him, it was greed and dishonesty.
Let us therefore be people of integrity in all financial matters, whether it concerns our family, parish, work, or community.
C. Trustworthy with people’s confidence
Finally, God wants us to be trustworthy with people’s hearts.
There are people who come to us with their pain, secrets, struggles, or weaknesses. We must honour that trust.
When someone confides in us, they should feel safe, not judged, ridiculed, or betrayed. A trustworthy Christian keeps confidences, speaks truth with love, and protects the dignity of others.
Conclusion
Dear friends, honesty and trustworthiness are the currency of the Christian life. God does not look for brilliance or eloquence as much as He looks for faithfulness in the ordinary things of life. If we are faithful in small things, He will entrust us with greater things – greater blessings, greater responsibilities, and greater joy.
Let us pray
Lord Jesus, You are the faithful and true witness. Make us honest in word and deed, faithful in small things, and trustworthy in all that You place in our hands. May our lives reflect Your integrity and truth, so that through us others may learn to trust in You.
Amen.
Sermon preached by Fr Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on November 8, 2025