The closer we come towards the end of the liturgical year, the readings tend to bend towards eschatological themes of Kingdom and judgment. They alert us of the need for preparation, introspection, and continuous personal renewal. In today’s Gospel, the themes of judgment and kingdom still appear.
The untrustworthy steward is faced with the dilemma of life. He needs to act very fast and cautiously so that his actions do not put him in more danger. He has been with his master for quite some time, but he has not been doing well in his accountability. His work has reached a dead end. And he asks a question, what shall I do? He's preparing for his descent and how society will receive him. It seems that his relationship was not good with both the master and the rest of the people under him.
Making Choices
We have asked ourselves this question several times in our lives, what shall I do? Especially in difficult situations. Probably when a job comes to an end. When the family is facing financial difficulties. When I am sick. This is a question of deep introspection. It leads to reflection and getting clear answers that may not put us into more problems. In moments of difficulty, we need to stay positive and turn fully to God. However, more deeply, this question targets our shortcomings and failures. We are stewards of this world. God has entrusted us with a lot. We have different gifts and talents. However, like the unworthy steward, at times we can become proud of them and live as if they pertained to me only. They may lead us to seek self-glorification and gratification without caring for the gift giver (God) and without caring how they are supposed to impact others around me.
However, Jesus is asking us to do personal introspections of our daily dealings. This means if I struggle with something, the master (God) is asking me to turn into good. This story in way relates with conversion of Zaccheus after Jesus visited his home, he said, to whom I have taken I will pay back four times (LK 19:1-10).
Making Amends
How can we make amends for our shortcomings? We need to try to do good. I might have caused suffering to others in my life due to my talents and gifts from God; it is time to make them happy. If I have caused others tears, I seek reconciliation and reunion. If I have wrongly taken what was not mine, help the needy in return. Aim to make a better home, if I have not been present to my family, create more time for togetherness and prayer. The prudence is the wisdom that God has given us and the room to reverse our wrong doings. 1 Peter 3:15, tell us that we need always to “count the patience of God as his salvation.”
It is when we challenge ourselves and accept our shortcomings, we really become children of light. May Our Mother Virgin Mary, through her humility, who entrusted all to God help us to always seek eternal life than worldly success and as Pope Francis said during Angelus on 22 September 2019, that the needy people, the people we did good to may testify for us during judgment.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Joachim's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
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