25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Stewardship

Reflection for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C – September 21, 2025

Readings: Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13

The readings for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time challenge us to reflect on our priorities, our stewardship, and our relationship with God and others. They call us to a life of integrity, prayer, and service, urging us to place God above all else and to use the gifts we’ve been given to uplift the poor and build His kingdom.

The first reading from Amos 8:4-7 delivers a powerful message about justice and accountability. The prophet Amos condemns those who exploit the poor for profit, manipulating measures and prices to cheat the vulnerable. God’s response is sobering: “Never will I forget a thing they have done!” This passage reminds us that God sees and judges our actions, especially how we treat the least among us. It’s a call to examine our own practices—do we act with fairness and compassion, or are we driven by greed and self-interest? In a world often marked by injustice, we are invited to align our choices with God’s heart for the poor and marginalized.

The responsorial Psalm 113 echoes this theme, proclaiming, “Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.” God’s greatness is revealed not in His distance from us but in His care for the lowly. He raises the poor from the dust and seats them with princes, showing His preferential love for those society overlooks. This psalm invites us to join in praising God by actively participating in His work of lifting up the downtrodden through our generosity and compassion.

In the second reading, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, St. Paul urges us to pray for all people, including those in authority, so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. This call to prayer is rooted in God’s desire for “all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Paul emphasizes that Christ Jesus is the one mediator who gave Himself as a ransom for all. This passage challenges us to broaden our prayer beyond our personal needs, interceding for the world and its leaders. It also reminds us that our faith is not just personal but communal, calling us to seek the salvation and well-being of others.

The Gospel from Luke 16:1-13 presents the parable of the dishonest steward, a puzzling yet profound teaching. The steward, facing dismissal for mismanaging his master’s property, acts shrewdly to secure his future by reducing the debts of his master’s debtors. Surprisingly, the master commends his prudence, not his dishonesty. Jesus uses this story to teach that we, too, should be shrewd—not in deceit, but in using our resources wisely to build relationships and advance God’s kingdom. He concludes with a stark warning: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” This challenges us to reflect on what drives our decisions—material wealth or devotion to God? Are we faithful stewards of the gifts entrusted to us, using them to serve others and glorify God?

Reflection Questions:

1. Justice and Compassion: How do I treat the poor and vulnerable in my daily life? Are there ways I can better advocate for justice and fairness, as Amos calls us to do?

2. Prayerful Intercession: Do I pray regularly for others, including those in authority, as Paul instructs? How can I expand my prayer to include the needs of the world?

3. Stewardship: What resources—time, talents, or wealth—has God entrusted to me? Am I using them shrewdly to build His kingdom, or am I serving “mammon” instead?

4. Priorities: Where do my loyalties lie? Are there areas in my life where material concerns overshadow my commitment to God?

Practical Application:

This week, let’s commit to one concrete action that reflects faithful stewardship. Perhaps it’s donating time or resources to a local charity, praying daily for world leaders and those in need, or examining our financial habits to ensure they align with Gospel values. As the Gospel reminds us, faithfulness in small matters prepares us for greater responsibilities in God’s kingdom.

Prayer:

O God, You call us to serve You alone, with hearts undivided by the lure of wealth or selfishness. Help us to be faithful stewards of Your gifts, using them to lift up the poor and build Your kingdom. Teach us to pray for all people and to live with justice and compassion, trusting in Your Son, Jesus Christ, our one mediator. May our lives reflect Your love and bring others closer to Your truth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Sources: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Catholic Daily Reflections, Loyola Press[](https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading)[](https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/daily-reflections/)[](https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/)