XXV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Luke 16:1-13
Last week, we heard the parable of the father with two sons, commonly known as the parable of the prodigal son, and we may have remained with the impression that, no matter what we do, God will accept us. Being merciful, God will never be hard on us.
In this week’s gospel, we hear the parable of the unfaithful manager (steward), which comes immediately after the parable of the prodigal son, providing us with its counterpoint. While the parable of the father with two sons puts stress on God’s initiative and boundless mercy, the parable of the unfaithful manager puts stress on the attitudes we must take before God and before others.
Like the younger son, the manager squandered the wealth that did not belong to him. Indeed, God has entrusted us with so many goods. He is the rich man, who has called us to be his stewards here on earth and we should examine ourselves and our stewardship. Have we not been wasting the goods entrusted to us? Like the manager, we shall be called to account.
When confronted with his careless and wasteful management, the unfaithful servant decided to make a U-turn and change course. He had to live life differently, changing the way he related to others and the way he lived. Despite being dishonest, he is called wise and shrewd, because he had a good sense of converting. Like him, we also deviate from the straight path and go astray. Thus, we must learn with him to change our behaviour, getting friends with the tainted money. making sure that “they will welcome you into the tents of eternity.”
Jesus invites us to deal with the goods of this world in a manner completely different from the one used by those who put their heart and their trust in money. Money cannot be our god; it only leads to exploitation and oppression. We cannot serve both God and money. And only God is the source of life.
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