RBWords

     We have an expression, "He or she has more dollars than sense!" to describe a person who is a spendthrift.  Jesus' teachings on the dangers of wealth receive emphasis in the Gospel of Luke.  The story of the "Rich Fool" [12:16-21] and the Rich Man and Lazarus [16:19-31] are examples.  Today's gospel passage comes in the same chapter with the latter and provides yet another example but with a wry twist to it.  Money should do good or it is no good.

 

     The dishonest steward, realizing that he will lose his job, takes advantage of the time lag in his situation becoming known.  He forgoes his commission on certain deals and thereby makes friends for himself.  He may well have trimmed his master's income as well.  In short, he knew what to do with ill-gotten gains.  Jesus is poking some fun with a serious purpose at even those who believe in him.  The common social expectation in that day was that the rich had an obligation to give alms.  This may not have happened as much has it should have!  So Jesus sends a message to those who want to be disciples.  If you have wealth, you should use it to help the unwealthy.  If a crook knows how to use money to make friends, surely a faithful Christian should know how to do good deeds with their wealth.  Jesus' final comment indicates that there was still a lot of work to be done in this area!  Perhaps the same is true in our time?  We are being challenged not just to think about it, but to do something about it!  AMEN