As we are invited today to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have, it is crucial to recall that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing—we are nothing. By God’s gracious favor we have everything we need.

Readings and Psalm

• Amos 8:4-7
  Warnings to those who trample on the needy and poor
• Psalm 113
  The Lord lifts up the poor from the ashes. (Ps. 113:7)
• 1 Timothy 2:1-7
  One God, one mediator—Christ Jesus—who gave himself for all people
• Luke 16:1-13
  A shrewd manager: faithful in little, faithful in much; serving God/wealth