John Desing csc
Readings: Am 8: 4-7, 1Tim 2: 1-8, Lk 16: 1-13
The parable of the unjust steward is very rich in meaning and profound in its implications. In the first place we find that steward’s mismanagement with the wealth was noticed by his master.
The steward was given the opportunity to rectify his mistakes, but he continued to squander. He already committed a mistake of mismanagement and now he commits another one by reducing some of the debt owed by the debtors of the master thinking that when he loses the Job, they will be kind to him. This is something like a politician who is generous with his cash at the expense of public fund.
What the parable tries to convey us is very clear. We are stewards of God not owners. We also need to keep in mind that we are responsible for the things, possessions and people entrusted to our care.
Therefore, we are expected to be just, faithful, and transparent in our given responsibilities. For everything we own is God’s gift to us. Do we need to be shrewd when we know that there is someone above us?
Shrewdness is using our intelligence for personal gain. Our wisdom and caliber should enhance our spiritual life and that of others. Wealth is not inherently evil but when we allow ourselves to be controlled by power and wealth then we become children of the world who neither understand nor desire for eternal wealth.
We are called to share with others, because by doing so we are true children of God. We’ve got to choose wisely how to exercise power and to use money prudently.