Prudent Stewardship

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.’ 

(Luke 16:2)

This verse emphasizes the importance of being accountable for our actions. Just as the steward had to give an account of his management, we too are responsible for how we manage our resources, time, and responsibilities. It highlights the concept of stewardship, reminding us that we are caretakers of the resources and opportunities given to us. We must use them wisely and faithfully.

The steward's dismissal serves as a warning about the consequences of mismanagement. It teaches us that neglecting our duties and responsibilities can lead to serious repercussions.

The verse encourages self-reflection and evaluation of our actions. It prompts us to regularly assess how we are living our lives and whether we are fulfilling our responsibilities effectively. These lessons inspire us to be diligent, responsible, and reflective in our daily lives. 

In every choice, in every deed, 

Act with wisdom, plant the seed. 

Consider well the path you take, 

For every step, a future make.

With careful thought and steady hand, 

Build your life, a house that stands. 

In prudence, find the strength to see, 

The way to live, the way to be.

For in the planning, wisdom lies, 

A guiding light, a clear sunrise. 

So act with care, and do not haste, 

In every moment, make it chaste.

Let prudence be your guiding star, 

In every task, both near and far. 

For in each prudent act, you'll find, 

A life well-lived, a peace of mind.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance. Teach us to act prudently in all our decisions and actions. Help us to plan carefully and to consider the consequences of our choices.

Grant us the discernment to recognize the right path and the courage to follow it, even when it is difficult. May we be good stewards of the resources and opportunities You have given us, using them wisely and faithfully.

Lord, remind us to seek Your counsel in every situation and to trust in Your perfect plan. Strengthen our resolve to live with integrity and purpose, always striving to honor You in all that we do.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE DISHONEST STEWARD

Luke 16:1-8

Gospel Acclamation

Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him. 

Gospel | Luke 16:1-8

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 he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He 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 the children of light." 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Act Prudently

 "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.”

LUKE 16:8

Prudent in the sense of being wise means suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances. In the sense of being insightful means having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge. In the sense of being cautious means having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech. (Merriam-Webster)/

I myself am convinced about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another. But I have written to you rather boldly in some respects to remind you, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in performing the priestly service of the Gospel of God, so that the offering up of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:14-16)

Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. 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.’ 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. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 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.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ 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.” (Lk 16:1-8)

The Lord has made His salvation known; in the sight of the nations He has revealed his justice. He has remembered His kindness and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. (Ps 98:2-3)

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have finished preaching the Gospel of Christ. Thus I aspire to proclaim the Gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another’s foundation, but as it is written: Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand. (Rom 15:17-21)

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (Ps 98:1,4)

Lord Jesus, You are my one and only Master in whom I am fully accountable. Thank You so much for entrusting me with Your vast wealth and riches as Your veryu own steward. I own nothing to anyone except You. 

I do confess Lord that I have sinned. I have not been truly prudent in all works at hand. Please forgive me and guide me with Your hand to do what is right and proper in all of the works and undertakings that must be accomplished. I surrender fully to the works of Your hands. 

Indeed Lord, You do not commend dishonesty but one's admission of guilt that led to acting prudently. Help me dear Lord to always show careful and good judgment over all our financial dealings knowing that eventually. I shall prepare a full account of the stewardship You have entrusted to me. As always, please accept my deep and profound gratitude for always providing for our needs and making me mindful to be faithful in paying our debts and obligations. 

All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE DISHONEST STEWARD

Luke 16:1-8

Published:

November 10, 2023, 7:31 AM

Faithful and Prudent Stewardship

 

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property."

(Luke 12:42-44)

Jesus speaks about the importance of being a faithful and wise steward. He emphasizes the importance of being faithful in the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to us. Whether in our personal lives, work, or spiritual duties, being reliable and diligent is highly valued. It’s not just about being faithful but also wise. This means making prudent decisions, managing resources well, and acting with discernment in various situations.

He also reminds us that we are accountable for our actions. Just as the servant is accountable to the master, we are accountable to God for how we manage what He has given us. There is a promise of reward for those who are found faithful and wise. This encourages us to persevere and remain steadfast in our duties, knowing that our efforts are recognized and valued.

Jesus uses this parable to teach about being ready for His return. It’s a call to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, always prepared for the day we will give an account of our stewardship. Reflecting on these lessons can inspire us to live with greater integrity, wisdom, and readiness, aligning our actions with our faith and values. 

In the quiet moments of dawn’s first light,

We seek to walk in paths so bright.

With hearts aligned to God’s own will,

We strive to serve, our roles fulfill.

Each gift and talent, wisely used,

In service to others, never refused.

With humble hearts and hands so kind,

We reflect God’s love, His peace we find.

In every task, both great and small,

We answer to the Master’s call.

With faith and prudence, we proceed,

To sow the seeds of love and need.

For stewardship is more than care,

It’s living life with love to share.

In every act, in every deed,

We honor God, His word we heed.

So let us be both faithful, wise,

With grateful hearts and open eyes.

For in our stewardship, we see,

A glimpse of heaven’s eternity.

Lord Jesus, our Savior and King, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance and wisdom in the stewardship of all You have entrusted to us. Grant us the grace to be faithful in every task and duty we undertake. Help us to use our talents and resources for Your glory and the good of others. Teach us to be prudent and wise in managing the gifts You have given. May we always act with integrity and love reflecting Your light in all we do.

In moments of doubt and challenge, strengthen our resolve to follow Your way. Let our actions be a testament to Your love and our lives a reflection of Your grace. We ask this in Your holy name, Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

VIGILANT AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS

Luke 12:35-48

Gospel Acclamation: 

Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

Gospel | Luke 12:39-48

39 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 41 Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” 42 And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. 47 That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; 48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Take What is Yours and Go

 ‘"My friend, I am not cheating you. 

Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 

Take what is yours and go."

MATTHEW 20:13-14

The day of the Lord is at hand (2 Thes 2:2). He has made the world firm, not to be moved; He governs the peoples with equity (Ps 96:10). Therefore, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught (2 Thes 2:15). To this end He has also called you to possess the glory of your Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thes 2:15).   

Jesus said,  "What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt 20:14-16)

Today is the day to give what is fair and just to your hired laborers (Mt 20:4). You have agreed with them for their usual daily wage, sending them to work into your vineyard. (Mt 20:1-2) Always be faithful in give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first (Mt 20:8). 

Let no one deceive you in any way (2 Thes 2:3). Know how you are loved by God, how you were chosen. The gospel of the Lord did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit with much conviction. (1 Thes 1:4-5) Turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thes 1:9)

Give thanks to the God always as you call to mind your works of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of your Lord Jesus Christ, before your God and Father (1 Thes 1:2). May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God your Father, who has loved you and given you everlasting encouragement and good hope through His grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word (2 Thes 2:16-17).

God's love always brings glory that lifts you up to higher ground. Glory of making you victorious in all your circumstances and challenges in life (Ps 149:4). This is the glory of all those who are faithful to God (Ps 149:9).

Published:

August 23, 2023, 8:13 AM

Go and Glean

Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, 

“Let me go and glean ears of grain 

in the field of anyone who will allow me that favor.” 

RUTH 2 : 2

Glean is to extract (information) from various sources, collect gradually and bit by bit, or gather (leftover grain or other produce) after a harvest. It is synonyous to obtain, get, take, draw, derive, extract, cull, garner, gather, reap, select, choose, pick, learn, find out.

This is the time to go and glean, extract information from various sources, collect gradually and bit by bit, and gather your produce after a harvest. It is also a time to collect and have a complete account of all the resources that the Lord has given you and all of what you have done (Rt 2:11). Do not go to glean in anyone else’s field; watch to see which field is to be harvested, and follow them (Rt 2:8-9). Your graces and blessings at work shall come progressively so as not to overwhelm you and ensure a steady growth and development. 

The Lord will prove the holiness of His great name through you (Mt. 5:6). Blessed is the Lord who has not failed to provide you with all that you need and want (Rt 4:13).

You shall live in the land He gave as His servant. The Lord will take you away from where you are, and bring you to your own land Ez 36:23). Foreigners shall come to this land that God has given you and they shall see His glory and majesty. They shall regularly come and will even bring you more new clients as their way of offering to the Lord.

The Lord knows your works and your thoughts, you shall come to see His glory (Isa 66:18). He shall grant your request to trade clean water relying only upon Him and not with others. You will receive a new heart and a new spirit within you (Ps 51:12). You shall live by His statutes, careful to observe all His decrees. Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (Ps 128:1-2)

God has given you an heir who will be famous in the land that He has given you. She will be your comfort and the support of your old age. She is worth more to you than seven sons!  (Ruth 2:15)

Published:

August 22, 2023, 6:38 AM

Make Adjustments

Why spend your money for what is not bread; 

your wages for what fails to satisfy? 

Heed me, and you shall eat well, 

you shall delight in rich fare. 

ISAIAH 55:2

One who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor one who loves abundance with its income. This too is futility. (Ecclesiastes 5:10). People will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy (2 Timothy 3:2). For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10).

You have sown much, only to harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but there is not enough for anyone to get warm; and the one who earns, earns wages to put into a money bag full of holes (Haggai 1:6).

The LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and you will be redeemed without money.” (Isaiah 52:3). You there! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (Isaiah 55:1)

Jesus said, “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor does a moth destroy (Luke 12:33). Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." (Matthew 10:8)

The overseer must be beyond reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money (Titus 1:7). Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Published:

August 02, 2023, 8:01 AM

Buy and Sell

Jesus said to his disciples: 

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, 

which a person finds and hides again, 

and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." 

MATTHEW 13:36-43

Buy means to acquire the possession of, or the right to, by paying or promising to pay an equivalent, especially in money; purchase, to acquire by exchange or concession. The word originated before 1000; Middle English byen, variant of byggen, buggen, Old English bycgan; cognate with Old Saxon buggjan,Gothic bugjan to buy, Old Norse byggja to lend, rent (Dictionary.com)

Sell means to transfer (goods) to or render (services) for another in exchange for money; dispose of to a purchaser for a price, to deal in; keep or offer for sale. First recorded before 900; Middle English sellen, Old English sellan, originally, “to give,” hence, “to give up (someone) to an enemy, betray, exchange for money”; cognate with Old Norse selja, Low German sellen, Gothic saljan “to give up, sell,” originally, “to cause to take”; akin to Greek heleîn “to take, grasp” (Dictionary.com)

Buy/Sell means the act of exchanging an asset for money or vice versa. Buying is acquiring an asset in exchange for money, while selling is giving away an asset to receive money. Buying and selling can be done for various reasons, such as hoping to make a profit, avoiding a loss, or satisfying a need. (embibe.com, capital.com)

My son, keep My words and treasure My commandments within you (Proverbs 7:11). Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom, instruction, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23). He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; The fear of the LORD is His treasure (Isaiah 33:6).

Jesus said, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). The good person brings out of his good treasure good things (Matthew 12:35). If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me (Matthew 19:21). A disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure new things and old” (Matthew 13:52).

Published:

July 28, 2023, 7:12 AM