"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
