FROM THE PAROCHIAL VICAR’S DESK

The Parable That Makes You Scratch Your Head…

Let’s be honest—the Gospel for this Sunday (Luke 16:1–13) sounds like one Jesus shouldn’t have told. A dishonest steward gets caught cooking the books… and then somehow becomes the hero of the story? What exactly are we supposed to take away from this?

If you’re confused, you’re not alone. For centuries, believers have wrestled with this parable. But that’s precisely what Jesus wants. He’s grabbing our attention—not to praise dishonesty, but to challenge us to think differently about urgency, wisdom, and eternal priorities.

What’s the Real Lesson?

The steward in the story is about to be fired. He knows his time is running out. So what does he do? He uses his position while he still has it to prepare for what’s next.

Here’s the twist: Jesus isn’t praising his dishonesty—but His decisiveness. The steward was clever, resourceful, and most of all—he acted with urgency.

Now, Jesus wants us to ask ourselves: “If that dishonest man could act so urgently for earthly gain, what are you doing for eternal gain?”

Everything You Have Is on Loan

This is where it gets personal. The steward wasn’t the owner—he was the manager. Guess what? So are we.

  • That house you live in? Not yours.
  • That job title? Temporary.
  • Your skills, your money, your time? All on loan.
  • Even your influence—your voice, your presence in people’s lives—is something God has entrusted to you.

We are stewards, not owners.

So the real question becomes:

What are you doing with what isn’t yours?

Practical Ways to Live This Gospel Today

Jesus ends with some strong words: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” (Mammon = money, power, stuff.) So how do we make sure we’re serving God and not the things of this world?

Here are some practical tips:

Audit Your Resources

Take time this week to reflect:

  • What are the blessings I’m not using well?
  • Is there something I could give, share, or start that builds God’s Kingdom?

Write them down. Pray over them. Act on one.

Invest in Eternal Relationships

The steward used his remaining time to make friends for the future. Jesus tells us to do the same: “make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”

In other words: use your time and treasure to help others, serve the poor, support good works, forgive generously, and build relationships that echo in eternity.

Be Faithful in the Small Things

Jesus says, “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.”

Start with the little stuff:

  • Being on time.
  • Keeping your word.
  • Showing up in love, even when it’s hard.

These small habits train your soul for greater responsibilities in the Kingdom.

Detach Before It’s Too Late

Ask yourself: “If God asked me to give this up… could I?” If the answer is no, that might be your mammon. Don’t let things rule your heart. Use things, love people, and serve God—not the other way around.

Final Thought: What Are You Preparing For?

The dishonest steward was smart enough to prepare for the future—because he knew his time was short. So do we.

We know that our days on earth are limited. The Gospel is reminding us: use what you’ve been given now to build what lasts forever.

This parable isn’t about praising lies. It’s about praising urgency in a world that often tells us to wait, to delay, to waste. But Jesus says: “Be wise. Be ready. Use what you have today—for what truly matters.”

So ask yourself:

  • Am I living like this world is my forever home?
  • Am I investing in things that last?
  • Am I using what I’ve been given to love, serve, and bring others closer to God?

The clock is ticking, not to scare us—but to awaken us. Let’s be faithful, creative, and courageous stewards of everything we’ve been given.

Because when the final audit comes, may we hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Peace,
Fr. Emerson

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