Readings: Romans 15:14-21, Ps. 98:1-4, Luke 16:1-8
“The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their generation than the sons of light.” (Luke 16:8)
The Psalmist declares, “In his riches, man lacks wisdom; he is like the beasts that are destroyed.” (Psalm 49:12 & 20). Why does the psalmist say this? Many act foolishly the moment they become rich. Many stumble on wealth but become very poor again because they do not know how to manage riches.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus shares the story of the steward who knew how to use riches wisely. A report was sent to his Master that the steward was wasting his goods. The Master asked the steward to settle his accounts. Knowing his dismissal was imminent, the steward called his master’s debtors and reduced their debts. Jesus concluded the parable by saying: “The sons of this world are wiser in their generation than the sons of light.” (Luke 16:8).
Note that in this parable, Jesus is not advocating dishonesty. If we interpret it that way, we miss the actual message. First, Jesus reminds us that we are all stewards; this world is not ours. We came into it empty-handed, and we shall leave the same way. Second, a day of reckoning will come; we must stand before the Master to account for how we used the resources given to us. Third, God will see if we are not properly using our gifts (talents, knowledge, riches, treasures, etc.); nothing is hidden from God.
Fourth, today is the best time to start preparing for death. Please do not wait until it is too late. The steward did not wait until he was dismissed before calling his master’s debtors. Fifth, the best preparation for death is storing treasures in heaven and showing kindness to the needy. The steward made friends by reducing the debts of his master’s debtors. We are to make friends by giving away whatever we have. After all, nothing belongs to us in the first place. We came empty, and we shall return empty.
Wishing death away is unwise. Whether we like it or not, it is inevitable. The steward accepted that he would be dismissed. Instead of praying not to die, we must face our fear of death by preparing for it in advance.
Let us pray: Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 31 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Romans 15:14-21, Ps. 98:1-4, Luke 16:1-8)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu