REFLECTIONS TODAY
Admittedly, this is one of the most puzzling parables Jesus tells. What exactly is the point he wants to underline by this? Is he praising the shrewdness or cleverness of the steward, his “creativity” in ensuring a future for himself even through lies and deception? Or is it a subtle denunciation of clever or deceptive means just so one can avoid a future misfortune, even if it is couched in a form of praise? Is this really a critique towards the “children of light” (Lk 16:8) for their lack of “creativity,” or a warning against following the example of the wicked or unjust steward?
Perhaps we can take both views for a lesson. That is, to heed the call to live wisely in this world, to be “creative” in our being stewards of God’s graces, to “invest” the resources God has entrusted us with. But, on the other hand, in doing so, we should avoid employing dirty tricks and deception just to “save” ourselves or foster our interests. In this way, God will continue to entrust us with more of his blessings as we are “enterprising” but are responsible and honest.
Gospel • Luke 16:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’
The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’
He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said,‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.