In today's gospel, Luke 16:1-13, Jesus presents a disconcerting story, the Parable of the Dishonest Steward. A dishonest steward squandered his master's property. When caught he devised a cunning plan to save himself. Knowing that manual laborer did not suit him and acknowledging that he was "ashamed to beg," the steward went to his master's debtors adjusting their debts. By doing this, the steward assured their indebtedness to him and guaranteed his welcome in their homes. When the master discovered the steward's ploy, he does not get angry nor does he condemn the man. Rather he "commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently" (Luke 16:8).
There are as many different interpretations of this parable as there are scripture scholars. Is the steward nothing more than a common criminal? Or, is he a shrewd and astute businessperson? Why does the master commend the steward for cheating him again? Is the master just as corrupt as the steward? And what about the debtors? Aren't they dishonest as well? Are they all rouges? Is there some sort of honor among this group of thieves?
The message Jesus offers us is very straightforward. Our Lord is not praising dishonest practices, he simply observes the ingenuity, energy and determination the steward applied to save himself. If we applied as much ingenuity and energy to building God's kingdom as the steward did to save himself, our world would be a very different place. As Jesus said, "the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light" (Luke 16:8).
You have called us, O God,
to love and serve you as the one only God.
Make us wise and resourceful,
children of the light who continue your work in this world
with untiring concern for justice and the integrity of creation.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
AMEN.
