Today’s readings remind us that we are God’s stewards, and that God expects faithful and prudent stewardship from us. They challenge us to use our God-given talents and blessings, like wealth, wisely to attain heavenly bliss.
In the first reading, Amos, the prophet of social justice, condemns the crooked business practices of the 8th century BC Jewish merchants of Judea and reminds the Israelites and us to be faithful to our covenant with the Lord, the God of justice. We need to practice justice and mercy to all, as God’s faithful stewards. Amos warns us also against setting making money at any cost as the goal of our life.
Today’s Responsorial Psalm reminds us that the all-seeing God protects and cares for the poor.
In the second reading, St. Paul instructs the first century Judeo-Christians to become true stewards of the gospel of Jesus, the only Mediator between God and man, by preaching the “Good News” to the pagans and by including them in intercessory prayers, too.
Today’s gospel Jesus shares the parable of the dishonest steward, who shrewdly reduces debts to secure future favours. This story challenges us to think about our own use of resources and priorities. This story in the gospel passage shows that worldly people can be cleverer in pursuing their interest than those focused on spiritual growth. The manager in Jesus’ story used all his resources to secure his future. We must be no less resourceful. We have God’s gifts of the
- Real Presence of Jesus in the in the church tabernacle 24/7;
- Holy sacrifice of the mass celebrated often — even daily and weekly in places blessed with many priests;
- Seven sacraments as sources of divine grace;
- Holy Bible with the word of God for daily meditation and practice, and
- Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Spirit-guided Church to direct us in our Christian life.
We need to use these resources in such a way that it will be said of us, “And the master commended them because they acted so prudently.” Jesus teaches that we cannot serve both God and money. We must decide where our true allegiance lies and choose what leads to eternal life.
The Gospel passage challenges us to be faithful stewards. we need to be prepared to give an account of our stewardship. In ordinary life, we insure our houses against fire, storms, flood, and thieves, just as we insure our lives, buying life insurance, health insurance, and car insurance. In the same way, let us “insure” ourselves – with God, not insurance company Prudential! – for the one thing that most certainly will happen, namely, our meeting God to give Him an account of our lives.
What really matters, at the time of our private judgment by God at the moment of our death, is how wisely we have used our blessings during our life, lovingly and generously sharing. We are all called to be good stewards of God’s blessings, using our resources wisely and generously to serve others and show mercy. Our faith calls us to be kind and compassionate not for personal gain but because we know, God has given us everything.
My dear brothers and sisters, let us strive to be faithful stewards of God’s blessings, prioritising our relationship with him and using our resources to serve others. May we find security in our relationship with God and others rather than in material wealth.