Word to the Wise
Friday, November 8, 2024 - Friday in the 31th Week in Ordinary Time
[Phil 3:17-4:1 and Luke 16:1-8]"And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light." [Luke]
The parable of the Dishonest Steward inevitably elicits howls of protest. How can the Lord commend an embezzler/thief? Is this a case of "giving the devil his due?" Maybe. Clever rogues have always been the subject of fascinating stories. This one also has a "grin and bear it" element to it. The debtors don't know that the Steward has been fired. All they know is that the creditor (the Rich Man) has forgiven a big chunk of their debt. The Rich Man gains honor and prestige, and the rogue Steward makes some friends who will be glad to help him in the future. The contrast between the children of darkness and the children of light is on display.
The "children of light" ought to know that they will be held accountable for their lives and conduct. Why don't they act accordingly? St. Paul's letters are filled with disappointment over the behavior of the Corinthians, Galatians, etc. who have supposedly been baptized and embraced Christianity. If the pagans can show prudence in planning for an earthly future, why can't Christians show prudence in planning for an eternal one? Warnings about the lure of earthly profit and security are major themes in the Gospel According to Luke. Eternal life seems to some folks like "pie in the sky by and by." Is there anything in our lives as Christians that can convince those folks they are mistaken? Christian prudence should look to a longer term than the Rogue Steward did. We can at least thank him for reminding us of that. AMEN