Read: 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 own generation than the sons of light.” (Luke 16:8)
As the saying goes, wisdom is better than riches. It is better to be wise and poor than to be rich and foolish. Wealth without wisdom is poverty waiting to happen. The Bible contains so many examples of people who were wealthy but lacked wisdom. They placed wealth over God only to end up losing their very lives in the end.
The Psalmist declares: “In his riches, man lacks wisdom, he is like the beasts that are destroyed.” (Psalm 49:12&20). In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells the story of the steward who had enriched himself with his master’s property. Knowing that his dismissal was imminent, the steward called his master’s debtors to reduce their debts.
By so doing, the steward was actually letting go of the profit that would have accrued to him personally if he were to remain in office. In other words, he was “giving away” money to secure friendship in the future. Surprisingly, the Master of this steward praised him for his wisdom.
Jesus concluded this passage by saying: “The sons of this world are wiser in their own generation than the sons of light.” (Luke 16:8). In this parable, Jesus seeks to draw our attention to the importance of wisdom which is of greater value than riches.
You don’t wait for the rain to start before you get an umbrella. If you can read this message, know that you are not too old to die. Today, ask yourself: “What plans am I making to secure eternal life for myself in heaven?”
Remember what Jesus told the man who came to him to ask how he could inherit eternal life? “Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21). Never place riches as your sole priority in life. Be detached from your possessions, lest they become your god.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, increase my wisdom. Amen.Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 31 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Romans 15:14-21, Ps. 98:1-4, Luke 16:1-8).