Jesus did not praise the steward for his dishonest behavior but for his shrewd foresight in relieving the debts of others whom he believed would, in turn, treat him as a friend and show him mercy, kindness, and generosity in his time of need and great want. Jesus immediately followed this parable with an exhortation to his followers to make use of the world’s material goods, including “tainted money” to relieve those who are indebted to us for the material and physical help we give them in their time of need and want. In the Scriptures generous giving is connected with almsgiving—the sharing of our financial and material resources with those in need. Generous giving will be repaid in kind.

St. Augustine reminds us that we are all beggars of God. “Even though you possess plenty, you are still poor. You abound in temporal possessions, but you need things eternal. You listen to the needs of a human beggar; you yourself are a beggar of God. What you do with those who beg from you is what God will do with his beggar. You are filled and you are empty. Fill your neighbor from your fullness, so that your emptiness may be filled from God’s fullness.”

The rabbis had a saying, “The rich help the poor in this world, but the poor help the rich in the world to come.” St. Ambrose, commenting on the parable of the rich fool who tore down his barns to build bigger ones to store his goods, said: “The bosoms of the poor, the houses of widows, the mouths of children are the barns which last forever. The true treasure which lasts is the treasure stored up for us in heaven. God richly rewards those who give generously from the heart to help those in need.”

The parable challenges us to be as ingenious and creative for the sake of God’s kingdom as we are for our careers and portfolios, to be as ready and willing to use our time and resources to accomplish great things in terms of the Gospel as we are to secure our own security and happiness. Our money, time, and possessions are precious resources and gifts from God. We can allow the love of the Lord to guide us in making good use of them for the benefit of others—especially those who are in need of them. Ask the Lord to fill our hearts with a spirit of generosity and joy in sharing what we have with others.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, all the gifts that I have, including my time, money, and possessions, are from you and from your bounty. Lord, may I love you freely and generously with all that I possess in this life. Help me to be a wise, prudent, and faithful steward of the resources you put at my disposal in this life. Help me always to be true to God and man. Amen.

God Bless us all,

Fr. Charley