A reflection on the Gospel of Saint Luke, chapter sixteen, verses one through thirteen.
Monsignor Joji Vadakara, Vatican City
The Church proposes for our consideration today the scriptures from the sixteenth chapter of the Gospel of Saint Luke. The first is a section on the parable of the unfaithful steward and the proper use of earthly wealth. This is what we encounter especially in verses one through eight. In the second part, we will see some practical aspects of this parable.
Stewards of Palestine
Many of the stewards of the day lived off of their masters’ property by trading and profiting from others. But what was regarded as a common trouble among such stewards was their extravagance, and the manipulations and corruptions which they practiced for it. Stewards who lead extravagant lives using another’s wealth. Here he does not become displeasing to his master because of any misbehavior with clients or other human beings. It is the improper use of this steward’s portion of the property which he is entitled to, which renders him unacceptable to the master.
Realizing his unfaithfulness and realizing that his master is taking away the stewardship from him, this man takes the master’s debtors’ bonds and helps to rewrite them. At least some are not in such a bad way. They interpret this to mean that what the clerk underwrote was the portion he should have received. That is to say, the steward, realizing that the portion due to him will be lost to him by the loss of his employment, does not want his portion, but writes it down only when it is due to the master. He overwrites and avoids the commission he is due. Strives to secure his future with what is rightfully his. Therefore, the Gospel says that “the master praised the unjust steward because he acted wisely” (v. 8). For no master praises his steward if his property falls short.
A clever unfaithful man
Though an unrighteous man, his master praises him for wisely disposing of his portion of the material wealth which should have been his inheritance in the face of impending crisis. This is one of the lessons Jesus wants us all to learn from this parable. Rather than acquiring material possessions in life, learn to be acceptable to others. As much as we strive to secure life today, perhaps even more so, don’t forget to secure future life. Rather than acquiring something material as our own on this earth, learn to become other’s, to be acceptable to others.
How to deal with material things
Christ says three things through verses eight to thirteen of this Gospel. Here we see the words of Christ arranged by the evangelist Luke into a practical interpretation of the parable of the unfaithful steward.
Proper use of wealth
The first advice Christ gives through the parable is about the wise use of material possessions. We must strive to acquire the ability to foresee what is to come. With the end times in sight, begin to live faithfully and faithfully. As the children of this world, represented by the unfaithful steward, wisely use their opportunities, look ahead to the morrow of life, and learn to make a proper wise use of material wealth, which is useless for eternity. Use every opportunity we have to be acceptable to God, to be acceptable in the tabernacles of eternity.
Loyalty
Second, Christ gives a lesson to live faithfully, always and everywhere. We see this in verses ten through twelve. How can those who cannot be faithful in small things be faithful in great things? Wherever we are, make proper use of the duties and opportunities that God has given us. Live faithfully constantly, every moment, every place.
Two masters
The third and final lesson of today’s Gospel is the truth that one cannot be faithful to God and at the same time a slave to riches. To live dependently on material wealth is a thought contrary to Christ’s exhortations. Christ teaches a life of complete surrender of our lives to God the Father, and a life of complete dependence on that God. Such should be the character and life of a true Christian. Seeing wealth as God and living dependent on it is not pleasing to God.
Enter the figures
“Account for your stewardship”. These are words that sinners and saints, the unrighteous and the righteous all need to hear once. We must once and for all give an accurate account of all the talents, wealth, blessings, and opportunities we have received. The possessions, wealth, and talents we have on earth will not follow us forever. All stewardship ends once and for all. Then we have to submit accounts before the master’s question. If we start living with this thought, our life will be different. We must be able to recognize our shortcomings and the luxury of living in sin.
God’s stewards
Christ, who praises the intelligence of the children of this world, asks us, who are called to be the heirs of God’s kingdom, to live on this earth as God’s stewards, to live wisely. Not only do we understand how ordinary people use material wealth and talents for their own good, but we can strive to manage heavenly wealth more wisely than them, with more ability than them, and to be accepted in God’s tabernacle. Let us learn to rely on God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, rather than relying on mammon, which is the wealth of the world. With an eye on eternity, let us fulfill our missions on earth with integrity and faithfulness. Even when we have material possessions, which are God’s blessings, we can strive to live as God’s servants. God bless us. Amen