25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
As we gather this weekend many places in the world are still at war with each other. We continue our prayer for peace in Gaza and Ukraine as well as all the less talked about wars. This weekend we are asked to reflect on our use of worldly resources and our responsibilities to others. The readings challenge us to live with honesty, justice, and faithfulness to God above all else. In the first reading we hear about Amos who was a great champion off social justice. In this short reading he depicts the religious employers waiting impatiently for the Sabath to end so that they could get on with their lucrative and dishonest trading. Psalm 113 shows that God lifts up the lowly and cares for those who are in need. This shows His love for those who trust Him. In the Second Reading Paul urges the Christian communities to pray for everyone especially those who hold public office as God wants everyone to be saved.
Our gospel reading tells us about the rich Man and his dishonest steward. The steward who looked after his master’s estates is accused of wasting his employer’s goods; he is dismissed, but before he goes he must submit the final account of his stewardship. In this time of crisis the steward takes firm and immediate action to ensure his own future. He is praised not for his dishonesty, but for his resourcefulness in coping with an emergency with such speed. If a dishonest man can use his employer’s money to ensure there will be people to welcome him when he’s out of a job, how much more should honest people use their money in such a way that they will be welcomed into the kingdom of God when they arrive there. One of the central themes in Luke’s gospel is the suspicion Jesus conveys towards worldly wealth. Material things can divert our attention and in some cases they can take the place of what truly matters in life. These particular words of Jesus are a warning to those who follow him on the road to heaven, the warning is that we shouldn’t get too attached earthly pocessions and wealth. Our Lord didn’t say who he was warning and his words are meant for all of us today. What Jesus warned against was not the just acquisition of this world’s goods but their unjust acquisition, and the dishonest use of them when they were justly acquired.
In This gospel story we see an example of someone who knew what he had to do in a crisis situation and Jesus asks all of us to remember no matter what situations we might find ourselves in that we shouldn’t become slaves to pocessions or the wealth that we have and that we shouldn’t be afraid to use whatever our resources we have for the good of everyone especially those in need. The scriptures warn against idolising wealth or allowing possessions to harden our hearts. Instead, we are encouraged to use what we have whether a little or a lot to serve, uplift, and restore. This is not a call to reckless giving, but a call to thoughtful generosity that reflects God’s own care for the poor. There are many people throughout history who have taken this gospel story to heart and decided to act quickly and decisively when required in order to help others and in their time of need. As we reflect on today’s readings and the state of our world, let us renew our commitment to live with honesty, justice, integrity and faithfulness. May we be people who care for the poor, pray earnestly for peace, and practise generosity not just with our resources, but with our hearts. In doing so, we align our lives more closely with God’s ways remembering that very often gods ways are not our ways and then become true stewards of his love in a world longing for healing, peace, reconciliation and hope. Let us go forth in hope ready to pray, to serve, and to give, trusting that even in the darkest times, God is calling us to be instruments of his peace where we are.
Fullerton T 