This was the homily of Fr. Rafael Pacaníns, L.C., chaplain of TLI for Latin America, on Saturday, November 8, 2025 during The Hour of the Laity in Mexico City.
The Gospel reading was Luke 16:9-15:
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails they may welcome you into eternal dwellings. The one who is trustworthy in very little is also trustworthy in much; and the one who is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much. If then you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.’ The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this and sneered at him. And he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in human sight, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.’
My brothers and sisters:
Today’s Gospel speaks directly to your vocation as lay Catholic leaders.
Unfaithfulness in Small Things
Let’s begin with the warning. Jesus calls money “dishonest wealth.” Not because money itself is bad, but because in this fallen world it is easily corrupted, by greed, by pride, by self-interest.
When a business leader says, “Everyone does it this way,” and cuts corners, that person is already training the heart to betray something bigger.
When a public official says, “It’s just how politics works,” and accepts one small ethical compromise, they begin to lose the moral authority that could have made them a light in public life.
If we are not faithful with something as passing as money, how can God entrust us with something as sacred as souls? If we are careless with numbers and deals, how can He give us the moral credibility to renew society from within?
That’s why Jesus says:
“If you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
Faithfulness Unlocks Mission
Now, let’s turn to the positive side, the promise.
When you are faithful in small things, God notices. Heaven notices.
When you make an honest transaction, when you treat employees with justice, when you refuse to bribe or be bribed, you are saying to God: “You can trust me.”
And God responds: “Then I will trust you with more.”
Faithfulness in little things is what prepares you for apostolic responsibility, for influence that transforms the world.
Leadership as Stewardship
Every leader is a steward. None of us truly owns what we manage. Our talents, our networks, our influence, all are borrowed from God for the service of others.
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church reminds us that every economic and political decision must serve the human person and the moral order.
This is what the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative stands for, leadership rooted in virtue, guided by charity, formed with intellectual rigor, and lived in fidelity to the Magisterium.
When business becomes a space for communion, when politics becomes a form of service, when professional success becomes an instrument of holiness, that is when the Gospel comes alive in the world.
TLI calls you to be exactly that kind of leader.
The Measure of Leadership
So, my friends of Tepeyac Leadership, pilgrims to the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as you continue your journey, remember: this Gospel is not just a moral teaching, it’s a leadership principle from Heaven.
True influence doesn’t begin with visibility or position. It begins with integrity. It begins with the heart that whispers to God each morning: “Lord, I want to be faithful today, in the small, the ordinary, the unseen.”
Because those who are faithful in little will be set over great things.
May the Lord look upon each of you one day and say:
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in small matters; I will set you over greater things.” (Mt 25:21)
And may your leadership, your Tepeyac leadership, become the bridge through which the Kingdom of Christ touches our world. Amen.
P.S. The date has been set for the 2nd Tepeyac Leadership Gala. Click below to register and mark your calendar to join us. Reserve your seat before December 31st to take advantage of the early-bird discount.
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