The main characters in Jesus’ parables can be far from perfect. Think, for example, of the younger son in the parable of the prodigal son, who made selfish choices but ultimately returned home, even if out of desperation. But these flawed characters often have some redeeming quality, however small – something that we can all learn from.

In today’s Gospel, we meet a steward, who has been careless, even dishonest with his master’s property. Perhaps Jesus is reminding us that no-one is beyond redemption. The steward’s redeeming feature is his shrewdness – his ability to think quickly and act creatively when faced with a crisis. Faced with getting sacked by his master, he calls in some of his master’s debtors and cuts their bills by up to 50%, so that they will have a debt of gratitude to him and perhaps offer him a job. Jesus comments that, while we should not imitate his dishonesty, we can learn from his decisiveness & creativity in the face of imminent disaster.

What else can we learn from this parable for our own lives? Firstly, think about the idea of stewardship. God entrusts each one of us with gifts and opportunities, sometimes even with material blessings. Do we make the most of these opportunities/gifts to bring blessings to others and to show our gratitude to God? Do we do all we can to make the world around us a better place or do we focus more on making our own lives more comfortable? If we are honest, do we find it easier to serve ourselves and our own interests, than to serve God and others? And do we see that sometimes a crisis we may experience can in fact be an opportunity to help us look again at the priorities and direction of our lives, and so to bring them more into line with what God desires for us? Like the dishonest steward, we will all have to give account one day before God of how we have lived our lives, the paths we have chosen and the choices we have made. What do I need to change in my life if I am to be a truly faithful and fruitful servant of the Lord?

With blessings & prayers, Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem & the parish team.
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