Gospel
Luke 16:1-13
1 Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. 2 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.’ 3 The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ 5 He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ 7 Then to another the steward said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred kors of wheat.’ The steward said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ 8 And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. 9 I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. 11 If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? 12 If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? 13 No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Historical Background
In ancient Palestine, wealthy landowners often hired stewards to manage their estates. These stewards had authority to negotiate debts and contracts.
Debtors were often burdened by high interest and harsh repayment terms. The steward’s act of reducing debts may reflect common practices of removing his own commission or interest.
The steward’s cleverness preserved his social standing and future prospects, which was highly valued in that culture.
Theological Context
Jesus speaks this parable directly to His disciples, unlike the previous ones in Luke 15 which were aimed at Pharisees.
The parable contrasts worldly shrewdness with spiritual wisdom. Jesus doesn’t commend dishonesty but rather strategic foresight in preparing for the future.
The closing verse is a stark reminder that loyalty cannot be divided. Serving wealth compromises one’s devotion to God.
Learning Lessons
Wealth is a tool, not a master. Use worldly resources wisely to build eternal relationships and to serve God’s purposes. Prepare for your future with eternal priorities.
Faithfulness in small things reflects character in greater matters. You cannot serve both God and money—choose your master.
“Two Masters”
A steward stood at judgment’s door,
His ledger flawed, his heart unsure.
He schemed with haste, reduced the debt,
To earn goodwill where hope was set.
The Master praised his clever mind,
Not for deceit, but foresight kind.
For children of the world are wise,
Yet light must learn to lift its eyes.
O soul, be faithful, even small—
In coins, in time, in every call.
For wealth will fade, but grace will stay,
When Mammon dies, let Christ hold sway.
Lord Jesus,
You are the true Master of all I possess. Teach me to be wise—not in worldly cunning, but in holy discernment and eternal vision. Help me to be faithful in the little things, generous with what You’ve entrusted to me, and single-hearted in my devotion to You. Let me never serve wealth or comfort above Your will. May I use every resource to build Your Kingdom, to bless others, and to prepare for the life to come.
Amen.
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE PARABLE OF THE DISHONEST STEWARD / APPLICATION OF THE PARABLE
Luke 16:1-8/9-13
Gospel Acclamation
Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
