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? A lot of people act foolishly the moment they become rich. Many stumbled on wealth but became very poor again because they didn’t know how to manage riches.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus tells the story of the steward who knew how to manage riches. A report was sent to his Master that the steward was wasting his goods. The Master asked the steward to prepare 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 recommending dishonesty. If we assume such, we would be missing the parable's message. First, Jesus reminds us that we are all stewards. This world is not our own. Empty we came, and empty we shall return. Second, there is a day of reckoning; we must stand before the Master to explain how we used the resources at our disposal. Third, God will know 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. Do not wait till it is too late. The steward did not wait till 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 is at our disposal. After all, nothing belongs to us in the first place. Empty we came, and empty we shall return.
Wishing death away is foolish. Whether we like it or not, it must happen. The steward accepted the fact that he would be dismissed. Rather than praying not to die, we must conquer our fear of death by preparing ahead for it.
Saint of the Day: Today, we remember St. Leo the Great, an eloquent writer and homilist. He was Pope from 440 to 461 during the invasion of Attila the Hun. When Attila marched on Rome, Leo went out to meet him and pleaded with him to leave. As Leo spoke, Attila saw a vision which convinced him to leave. Pope Leo called a council to condemn the heresies of the day, such as Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Manichaeism and Pelagianism. He wrote many letters and sermons that survive today, for which he was proclaimed a Doctor in 1574.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, bless me with divine wisdom. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Leo the Great, Pope. Bible Study: Romans 15:14-21, Ps. 98:1-4, Luke 16:1-8).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu