The great 20th century journalist H. L. Mencken observed, “In any combat between a rogue and a fool the sympathy of mankind is always with the rogue.” Homer’s Odysseus is an ancient rogue we still talk about. Robin Hood appeared in the 14th century and is still with us. And a contemporary example of a sympathetic rogue is the Walt Disney character “Captain” Jack Sparrow. Jack Sparrow is a sly, shifty pirate who uses his wits and negotiation skills to survive. He is the epitome of an antihero. Jesus presents us with a similar example in today’s gospel from Luke 16:1-13. In the parable of the dishonest steward, we have a shrewd con artist who ingratiates himself to his master’s debtors in order to save himself. The master in turn commends the steward for his ingenuity and creative problem solving.
Scripture scholars all over the world debate the various messages in this parable. What they all agree on as the primary lesson is that worldly people are “wiser,” more energetic and zealous in their pursuit of wealth and material possessions than followers of Jesus are in pursuing the Kingdom of God.
This message Jesus offers us is very straightforward. Our Lord is not praising dishonest practices, he is simply observing the ingenuity, energy and effort the steward expended 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.
