Last Sunday, we heard the parable of the prodigal son (Lk15:1-32), a story about the incredible mercy of our God. This Sunday, as we continue with St. Luke’s gospel, we hear the story of the “dishonest steward”. About to be dismissed for squandering the master’s property…the steward said to himself, “What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me?…I know what I shall do that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes. Then we see that he starts granting partial forgiveness to some of the master’s debtors… quite a contrast to the infinite mercy of God. Jesus is telling us that we are not to place limits on our forgiveness and mercy, as the steward did.
The steward was faced with a crisis when about to lose his job. The coming of the Messiah to the people of Jesus’s day presented a crisis. Some chose to be followers, others were drastically opposed to Jesus. How do we respond with our encounter with Jesus Christ? …in the least of the brothers and sisters, in the sacraments, especially the Most Holy Eucharist…
Jesus is also telling us that worldly people work harder for worldly rewards which last only a short period of time vs. Christians do for heavenly rewards that last through eternity.
Jesus is asking us to be faithful in small things (use of this world’s goods), so to be entrusted with a great thing (eternal life with God). We are not to use our worldly goods to just have a “good time”, but to help those in need. Our worldly goods are more than material possesions, but also include out time and talents. How are we using what Jesus has given us to bring souls to Him? We remember that all we have is a gift from our generous God.
God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike