In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest steward, who is about to lose his position when he is called to give an account of his management. He acts shrewdly, reducing the debts of his master’s debtors so that they might welcome him into their homes. Jesus acknowledges his resourcefulness and observes: “The children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.”

First, the Lord reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, of everything we possess, including life itself. We are stewards of our families, children, religious or priestly vocation, marriage, and everything God has entrusted to us.

The owner is the Lord; he is our Father. Everything belongs to him, even our very existence and our next breath. Every day, he gives us gifts and entrusts us with the responsibility of managing them well. One day, he will ask us to give an account.

A good steward is one who bears fruit: fruit in virtue, Christian living, love for the Church, and care for everyone who makes up the Church. May the Lord find us doing what is right, good, and pleasing to him.

The second message is shrewdness. Jesus does not ask us to imitate the steward’s dishonesty, but his determination, foresight, and resourcefulness. The children of this world often demonstrate tremendous energy in pursuing their objectives. Evil never rests, always seeking destruction and injustice. How much more, then, should we, the children of light, dedicate our energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to the Kingdom!

We must not grow weary. We are called to seek different ways of making Jesus known, loved, and served, so that those who do not know him may encounter the Good News of salvation.