Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Today Jesus gives us the story of the rich man’s steward who misused what was under his care. At best, he was inept or perhaps worse, he was a thief. In any case, of course, the rich man was determined to fire his steward who had squandered his property.
Not wanting to get a job that required hard word and too embarrassed to beg for money, the man set out to make friends with those who were in debt to his former employer.
Before he left his employment, therefore, the man reduced the debts of those who owed his master. So, for example, a man who owed his master 100 measures of olive oil had his debt reduced to 50 measures of olive oil.
In fact, the master actually commended this man for seeking to secure his future. He called him “prudent.”
Jesus has reminded us that we must be just as prudent in securing our heavenly future. In fact, we can compare ourselves to the inept man in our own stewardship of the people and goods of this world, all of which belongs to God. We fail in so many ways yet, there is a way to make friends with the friends of God so as to look out for our future.
Perhaps that is why the Church gives us our first reading. The prophet Amos chides those who take from the poor in order to make themselves rich. If we do the opposite, if we give to the poor, take care of those in need, and look after the vulnerable, we will be like the steward who sought to make friends for his future. Peter said in his letter, “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8)
If we look after those in need, we will be commended by our Heavenly Master for acting with wisdom.
Have a blessed week everyone.