In concluding his letter to the Romans, St Paul mentions some of the Christians by name. How honoured they must have felt that the renowned Paul himself would think so much of them as to give them special mention by name. There is also a spirit of great affection running through this final passage.

Jesus, in today's Gospel gives us advice about the use of money. An advice which we all need to hear. According to Him, there is something much more precious than money and that something is the love and affection we can show each other. We are constantly reminded of the love and affection that Jesus has for all men and women. He came to teach us how to love. He Himself offered His love for us by dying on the Cross. Yes, one of the marvels of love is that we can do something with it which we cannot do with money. We can give love away and never suffer any loss within us. In fact, the more we give of love and affection to others, the more will our own love grow.

Therefore, let us use the time and opportunities to enhance our friendships with one and another and not use our friendships to enhance the number of things we have.