WC 22/09 INTEGRITY

We take this theme from the Gospel reading of the

25th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

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GATHER

+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What does the word 'integrity' mean?

When is it difficult to do the right thing?

Is it wrong to 'cut corners'?

WORD

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke: Glory to you O Lord.

At that time: Jesus said to the disciples,

‘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 with the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with 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 Gospel of the Lord: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSE

When we hear the word "integrity," we might think about big, dramatic moments. Like telling the truth when a lie could save you from punishment, or standing up for a friend when everyone else is making fun of them. But Jesus, in the Gospel of Luke, reminds us that integrity isn't just about those big moments. It's built in the small, everyday choices we make.

Jesus says,

“The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much,

and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

(Luke 16:10)

Jesus is telling us that our character is formed by a series of small decisions. He is saying that integrity isn't a switch you can turn on and off. You can't be honest in some areas of your life but not in others. The way you handle the little things, like being honest about how much time you spent on your homework, or returning a pen you borrowed, is a test of how you will handle the bigger things, like being trustworthy with a friend's secret or taking responsibility for a mistake.

Integrity is about being the same person in front of your parents, your teachers, your friends, and when you are completely alone. It means being the same person online and in 'real life'. It means your actions match your values, and you are true to yourself. When you compromise on the "little things," it becomes easier to compromise on the "big things." But the opposite is also true: when you practice faithfulness and honesty in the small details of your life, you are building a strong foundation of integrity. This foundation is what allows you to be trusted by others and, more importantly, to be at peace with yourself. It's what allows you to have a strong relationship with God, who sees the person you are on the inside.

Think about how you can show greater integrity. It might be in how we use our phones, how we speak about others, or how we complete homework or follow through on a promise. It's in those small, unseen moments that we have the chance to be people of true integrity, building a character that is faithful and strong in all things.

How does Jesus’ message challenge or comfort you?

MISSION

Choose one small task today, like doing your homework, or a specific chore at home.

Do it with your full attention and effort, even if no one else will see the final result.

Focus on being faithful in these little things.

COLLECT

Let us pray…

O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law

upon love of you and of our neighbour,

grant that, by keeping your precepts,

we may merit to attain eternal life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.