Greetings on this the Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: PHIL 3:17—4:1; PS 122:1-2, 3-4AB, 4CD-5; LK 16:1-8
Misunderstood Parable: The Parable of the Dishonest Steward
This parable is generally misunderstood to mean the steward cheated the master twice: first in his dealings with the use of the master’s property and second by reducing the debt of the others at the expense of the master. This is not the case at all. It is good to read the explanation before sticking with that false notion.
See: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/lk/16?8#50016008
We instantly go to the villainizing of the steward, yes?
The main message of the Lord is that we must make amends with one another for we too will be held account for the conduct of our lives.
As the steward approaches his judgment he makes amends with him fellow debtors.
This is what the master praises. Making amends.
Summary
Like the dishonest steward in the parable today, we are all dishonest with the Lord. But our day of judgment comes too. So we make preparation by making amends with one another. This pleases the Lord immensely. The way of perfection starts with the interior change yielding exterior good habits. We can start with being good with each other, the Lord will help us get right with him.
Reflection
From the commentary: Dishonest wealth: literally, “mammon of iniquity.” Mammon is the Greek transliteration of a Hebrew or Aramaic word that is usually explained as meaning “that in which one trusts.” The characterization of this wealth as dishonest expresses a tendency of wealth to lead one to dishonesty. Eternal dwellings: or, “eternal tents,” i.e., heaven. See: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/lk/16?9#50016009
Personal Reflection
Back in my day we used to have “365 reviews”, where everyone got a chance to make a comment on your work behavior for items needing improvement and items worthy of praise. I usually did OK in these reviews. Although I never forgot one comment:
“Never talk to Gerry early Monday mornings.”
Loved it! Hated it! But loved the honesty and it yielded a change in behavior. Well, since I can’t fix me, I stopped meeting people on Monday mornings.
Over time the Lord fixed it inside.
Call to Action
Let’s spend today making amends. It’s Friday – the day of sacrifice. Maybe we can get right even in the area of the ordinary. That the Lord’s extraordinary love is invited within us.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110824.cfm
First Reading
For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.” Their minds are occupied with earthly things.
Responsorial
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation (see 1 JOHN 2:5)
Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him.
Gospel
He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry