First Reading • Amos 8:4-7
Psalm • Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8
Second Reading • 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Gospel • Luke 16:1-13
Jesus often told parables that were not straightforward. They were designed to make His listeners think and wrestle with the meaning.
Each time we return to them, we may see something new. Today’s Gospel is one of those baffling parables: the story of the dishonest steward.
At first glance, it makes no sense. The steward is corrupt.
He squandered his master’s money, enriched himself, and when caught, he didn’t repent or try to make amends.
Instead, he doubled down on his dishonesty by reducing people’s debts to secure his own future. How can Jesus use this man as an example for us?
And are we not, at times, like that steward? Do we not manipulate situations for our own advantage?
We bend rules for our convenience, we use our words to protect ourselves, and often we ignore how it hurts others.
Just as the steward forgot his responsibility to his master, we too forget that our lives, our gifts, and even our relationships belong first to God.
The key lies in Jesus’ words: “for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.”
Jesus is not praising the steward’s dishonesty, but his determination, his resourcefulness, his willingness to act decisively to secure a future.
If the children of the world are so clever in pursuing things that pass away, shouldn’t the children of light be just as bold in pursuing what lasts forever?
“Look at these jars. This one says ‘Temporary Things’ – toys, candy, games, things that don’t last.
This one says ‘Forever Things’ – love, prayer, kindness, friendship, God.
Now, boys and girls, if I had some coins, where should I put them? (let children answer).
That’s right; in the jar that lasts forever! Jesus wants us to be just as smart about heaven as we are about the things of this world.”
They say money can’t buy happiness. And that’s true!
But it can buy an ice cream – and that’s pretty close, isn’t it? Still, ice cream melts. Candy disappears. Games break.
God wants us to invest in things that never melt away: love, prayer, compassion, kindness, friendship and our life with Him.”
This parable invites us to consider how the very qualities that sometimes lead us into sin can, when transformed, lead us into holiness.
Someone with a gambling addiction risks everything for a fleeting thrill; but that same courage, turned toward Christ, can make them a powerful witness, “all in” for the Gospel.
Someone struggling with lust often carries a deep longing for unconditional love. If that is directed toward Jesus, that longing becomes the gift of total self-giving.
We see the same dynamic in the disciples.
Fishermen were risk-takers, daily facing the dangers of the sea; Jesus transformed that courage into missionary zeal.
Tax collectors, driven by ambition and willing to face rejection, were reshaped into tireless evangelists.
Even the wealthy, often tempted by greed, could be transformed; Joseph of Arimathea offering his tomb, Mary of Bethany pouring costly oil at Jesus’ feet.
This is the heart of the message: our sins, our struggles, our weaknesses often hide beneath them a God-given quality that is misdirected.
When surrendered to Christ, those very traits can become the foundation of holiness.
Addicts can become saints. The greedy can become generous.
The proud can become leaders in humble service.
And notice, too, that the steward realized he could not survive alone; he needed others to welcome him.In the same way, our Christian life is not just about talents or personal holiness, but about relationships.
Dishonesty doesn’t just mean stealing money or telling lies. It can also creep into our friendships and relationships. When we look only for our own convenience, when we use others instead of caring for them, we are being dishonest in love.
Jesus reminds us today that if we are faithful in little things, we will be faithful in greater things. If we are true in our friendships on earth, then God can entrust us with the greatest friendship of all – eternal life with Him.
God calls us to build bonds of trust, forgiveness, and love in our families, friendships, and parish community.
If we can work so hard to preserve business ties or social connections, should we not be just as intentional in nurturing relationships rooted in Christ?
So, the question for us is: What sins do you struggle with? What drives them?
Is there a hidden gift there that God is asking you to redirect toward Him?
Are you courageous, intelligent, persistent, strong? How might those qualities be used for His Kingdom? In the end, all our desires and talents are given by God.
He asks us to be good stewards of them. One day, we will give an account of how we’ve used them.
May we not squander them like the dishonest steward, but instead act with wisdom and courage, so that we may hear those words of Jesus: “Well done, my good and faithful servant; come, share your Master’s joy.”
