Am 8:4-7; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk 16-1-13
The readings teach about stewardship or the proper use of God-given wealth, authority, talent and skill.
In the first reading, the prophet Amos criticizes the Israelites for their failure to observe the moral norms of the Covenant. They have taken advantage of the poor by over-pricing their products, by using deceptive scales and by selling damaged grains. Moreover, they have enslaved the poor and bought them like mere objects with little value. The prophet warns that God knows every wicked thing that people do and abhors every form of injustice and inhumanity.
Saint Paul, in the second reading, invites Christians to pray in particular for leaders of the people. The apostle understands the great responsibilities of leaders and their constant temptation to use their office for personal gains. Through this reading, we are encouraged to pray for our Church and government officials that they may exercise their power and influence to serve the real needs of the people so that genuine peace and progress will reign in our land.
In the gospel, Jesus tells the story about a steward who acted shrewdly in order to save himself. The parable's intention is not to encourage corrupt practices but to challenge us to live wisely in order to gain salvation. If evil people could use their intelligence to the maximum in order to succeed in this world, why could we not do the same for the establishment of God's reign? Are we not supposed to maximize the use of our God-given gifts and talents in order to enjoy true life with God? This is what Christian stewardship is all about. We thank God for the material and spiritual assets that He entrusted to us and we use them to serve one another and glorify Him.
Christian stewardship involves the faithful management of little things. Oftentimes, it is easy for us to take for granted simple obligations in the family, school and office. Jesus says, “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.” Ordinary tasks such as washing dishes, segregating garbage, child-rearing, assisting new office-mates, visiting the sick neighbor and almsgiving are important in God's eyes. The advice of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta is important: “Do little things with great love.”
Moreover, Jesus says: “The person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.” Often, we excuse ourselves of misdemeanors thinking that what we do are little compared to what others are doing. But this not a good attitude. Uncontrolled venial sins predispose us to commit mortal sins. Hence, we need to be moral, fair or just in our dealings within the family, school, market and offices, even if these involve a simple matter or a little amount of money.
All of us – whether rich or poor – are stewards of God. We are administrators, not owners. We do not own our children, friends, knowledge, business, money, talent and power. God is the sole owner of everything. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we understand that life is more a matter of sharing than of owning, of giving than of getting, of loving than of possessing.
The responsible steward knows that in the end God will hold each one accountable. We hope and pray that when the moment of reckoning comes, we can bravely face God and say, “Lord, as your servant, I have done my best.”
The story is told of the Buddhist headmaster who assembled the young students around him. He said to them, “Times are very hard. As you can imagine it takes many resources to keep our school open. We are in desperate need of funds right now and I’m afraid we are forced to resort to unsavory measures in order to survive. Today I must send you into the town on the other side of the hill where many people of affluence live. You will need to steal whatever you can – money, valuables, food, if we are to continue.”
One student spoke up, “But you have taught us that it is wrong to steal.” The master agreed, “Yes, I have. And it would be wrong if it were not absolutely necessary. Take only what we need and no one will suffer. However, you must be very careful so no one recognizes that you are stealing. If you are caught the reputation of our school will be tarnished forever. Do you understand the task I have given you?”
In stunned silence the students looked at one another and then at their master. He starred at them. “Do you understand?” he asked again. They nodded.
“Very well” the Master said, “Now go and get the things I have put on the list.” The students left the room reluctantly taking the list of items from their teacher. He called out, “Remember, no one can know.”
As he turned back to the room he noticed one student remained. “Why are you still here? You should be with the others.” The boy answered, “But you have given us an impossible task.” The master asked, “How so?”
“You taught us no one could find out we were stealing, but if I were stealing then I would be the first witness to my own actions.”
“That’s it!” the head master shouted with joy. “That is the lesson I am trying to teach you in all of this. Now, go run after your brothers and bring them home.”
(The story is told by an unknown author)
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