Dishonest Steward using his Knowledge and Skill for Survival

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty First Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 16:1-8*

*First Reading : Phil 2:12-18*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5*

*Dishonest Steward using his Knowledge and Skill for Survival*

*1) Dishonest Steward*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the dishonest Steward, who mismanaged the wealth of the master 

Because of this mismanagement of the resources of the master, he gets a name - dishonest servant

*2) Master's call for enquiry*

The master orders an enquiry about the mismanagement of the resources 

Master says *Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’*

This makes him to think about his own accountability and the responsibility in handling the resources of the master 

*3) The Steward's intelligible approach*

As soon as he realises that he has to submit the accounts he becomes very active in handling the situation 

Because he knew that he will going to lose his position as Stewardship

So as a final and last chance he uses his intelligence and skill to handle the situation and to retain his Stewardship

Since he worked hard towards this goal, Jesus appreciates for his enthusiasm and interest in retaining the position of the stewardship

Jesus is not approving what the dishonest did, but Jesus appreciates the hard work done by the Steward in retaining the position 

*4) We are all Stewarts*

We are all Stewards of Jesus who has appointed us, to work for the kingdom of God and to submit the correct accounts of our mission 

In this context Jesus asking us, do we have the courage, knowledge and skill in doing the work of the Lord, which the dishonest Steward had? 

As a faithful Steward what is my responsibility in doing the mission of the Lord? 

*5) Things of this World and Things of Heaven*

The dishonest servant was working towards the worldly things, position and the material gains 

In this regard, his commitment was excellent and he did all the possible things to attain the worldly things 

What about heavenly things?

The intention of Jesus in highlighting the capacity of the dishonest servant is to I inspire us to have such an hardworking approach in attaining the heavenly things 

*6) Use of intelligence and skill in my Life*

Intelligence and the skills are the two beautiful gift given to us by our Lord

How do I use these two valuable gifts of God? 

Do I use it for the attainment of Worldly things or for eternal things?

The amount of energy, skill and intelligence which I use for worldly things and securing the worldly pomp and glory, were to be used for attaining the eternal values and doing the will of God, what would be our life? 

How holier will be our life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*