September 18, 2022

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The parable of the steward is the focus of today’s Gospel. When a landowner discovered his steward’s dishonesty in overcharging his debtors for personal gain, he immediately removed him from his job. The clever steward struck a deal with his boss’s debtors and discounted their debts giving up his generous commission. Such a deal won him great favor with the debtors and, in turn, helped to make the landowner look generous and forgiving towards those who owed him money. Since his boss could not undo the steward’s cancellation of the debts without losing face, he praised the steward for outwitting him.

Jesus also praised the dishonest steward because he recognized the condition of his life and took prompt action to take care of it and secure his future. He took steps to make sure he became everyone’s friend overnight so when he lost his job, he wouldn’t be alone and without resources. Jesus followed this parable with an appeal to His followers to use the gifts that God has given them to secure their future in the afterlife. If we understand the principle that everything we own is a gift from God, then we realize that God is the owner of everything and that we are His stewards. As such, we are to use the Master’s resources to further the Master’s goals. And the Master, God, who sees all, rewards those who are generous in this life with eternal heavenly life!

copyright © 2022 Servants of the Word, source:  dailyscripture.net, author Don Schwager.