Did the Steward give the correct Account?

Gospel Thoughts

31st Week : Friday

GOSPEL Lk 16:1-8

First Reading - Phil 3:17—4:1

*Did the Steward  give the correct Account*

*1) The Steward was intelligent in misusing His Knowledge*

This steward was known for his cunningness. He used his knowledge to manipulate everything. 

One of the complains which was level against him was  report on  squandering the property of the Master. So it is very clear that he was misusing the property of his owner

*2) Until the Master called Him, he misused the accounts*

This is very clear from His attitude. He was shrewd enough to mismanage the amount. 

*3) Why 100 measures of oil became 50 and 100 measures of Wheat into 80?*

Here did he cheat His owner? 

Is he giving a false account to the owner? 

The simple answer would be no. Here he is giving a correct account to the owner. 

In this calculation one can identify how much money he has made from the things of the Master 

In fact the steward was selling the products of the master at a higher rate and making lots of money 

For 50 rs oil he was selling at 100rs. For 80 rs wheat he was selling at 100 rs. 

Here only two examples of two items are given. This is only to show how he was misusing the various things 

The master had many people who took the things from the master 

So one can imagine the amount of money he looted. 

*4) At least towards the end he acted sincerely*

When he was summoned he gave the correct account. He was sincere enough to give the correct account. 

For this the owner congratulated him. 

*5) Giving correct account benefited him in multiple ways* 

First of all he was appreciated by the owner. That was the plus point for him. 

Secondly, because of his sincerity the master may ask him to continue the work, which he already doing. 

 Thirdly the debtors felt that he had given some concession from the amount that they have to pay. So he also got appreciation from them. 

Fourthly, if the master removes from the work, then he can ask the help of the debtors of the owner on the matter that he had given concession from the repayment of their debts, even if in reality it is not. 

*6) The steward was ready to forgo His commission*

From the two debtors he had kept 50 and 20 as his commission. In fact this was too much to demand from the customers. 

But finally he did not keep any commission for himself. He was ready to forgo everything, for the sake of giving the correct amount, and gaining a good image. 

*7) Sincere work gave him a good image, even at the last moment*

The owner congratulated him for his sincere work. 

*The master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.*

So sincerity can bring us a good image at any moment of our life. 

*Am I sincere in accountability?*

Am I using my wisdom for good things or for bad things? 

*What changes I can bring in my life in order to become more sincere and accountable?*

*Think about that*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*