A DISHONEST STEWARD PRAISED

PRAYER MOMENT 

Friday 7 November 2014

A DISHONEST STEWARD PRAISED

                     

Pause. Be still in God’s presence.

Reading: “The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light” (Luke 16:1-8)

Reflection. This is an odd parable in which Jesus seems to praise the dishonesty of an estate manager. The guy is caught putting his hand in the till and is up for dismissal. What does he do? He calls in the firm’s creditors and rewrites what they owe so as to put them in his debt when he is fired. And the owner praises him for his astuteness! How could Jesus make this into a parable? Well, he does. He says the crooks among us are far more industrious and consistent than “the children of light” among whom, I presume, we count ourselves. Jesus’ point is that these children of light should be equally – or even more – industrious in pursuing the aims of the kingdom. And it is true; this happens. People interested in money and power pursue their aims with vigour. While we, who see ourselves as good steady Christians, can be a bit laid back in following the way of the gospel.     

Prayer. Lord, teach us to have an urgency in our engagement in your great work for your people and the establishment of the reign of God in our world. Amen.  

David Harold-Barry SJ