THEME: THE WISDOM OF THE DISHONEST STEWARD

     (Amos 8:4-7; 1Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13)

“Wisdom is a treasure for all time”. The Gospel reading of today is the parable of the dishonest steward, who was praised by his master. Jesus addressed it to his disciples. By the parable, Jesus tells his followers that there is something to learn from the people of the world. The steward in the parable insures his own future by doing favours to others, but this he does by cheating his master. And Jesus commends him, not for his dishonesty but for his interest in the future (Lk. 16:8). By this parable, Jesus asks his followers to take more interest in their future. If our best future lies in heaven, then we must all take active interest in our future.

The steward acted wisely or cleverly. The wisdom is that he used what he had at the moment to prepare for his future after he is fired for his incompetence. The steward prepared for his life after dismissal from duty. He became very kind and generous to the people owing his master, so that they in turn will show him kindness when he is eventually dismissed. The future is purchased and prepared by the present. Our future begins now. Our eternal destiny is a future gift, but is it also a present achievement. Use your present position to prepare for the future life in heaven. However, as we learn astuteness from the steward, we must be steadfast in confronting and condemning dishonesty.

In the first reading, Prophet Amos was very vocal in condemning the dishonest practices of the people of his time. He is known as the prophet of social justice. He condemned the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy. He came at a time when the rich took all the land and “enslaved” the poor in their farm lands. Amos reminded them that God is always on the side of the oppressed.

Another statement that Jesus makes on how to shape our future is: The person who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in great” (Lk. 16:10). Little drops of water, little grains of sand make the mighty ocean. So too, our great doing of little things on earth determine our great reward in heaven. When we neglect little deeds of kindness, little words of love or little acts of sincere forgiveness, we are neglecting our duty to shape our future which is a kingdom of love, unity and peace. We are invited to act wisely, and prepare for our future life in heaven. Preparation for this future begins now.

HAPPY SUNDAY!