A steward is someone who has been given the authority to oversee something for someone else. In other words, a servant, even though a steward my have control over people and resources.
Can you see the parallel between the master (Jesus and the steward (us) in our everyday lives? Are we not responsible for our families, and ourselves but ultimately answer to Jesus?
In Sunday’s gospel, it has been reported to the master that the steward is skimming from the bottom and is a dishonest man. He appears to be lining his own pockets. It is interesting that the owner asks for an accounting but also fires him at the same time. Obviously, something had been going on because the steward immediately plots his revenge.
So, not caring much for the responsibility attached to his job, he calls in all those who owe his master and make deals with them: changing 100 jugs of oil to 50, 100 bundles of wheat to 80. This was done quickly. Needless to say, those who owed had to be very happy. If someone will cheat on small things, what do you suppose they would do if the situation were really important?
What is confusing here is the master has fired the steward but then commends him for cheating. How does this parable apply to us?
God has made us stewards of our lives and this earth. We are responsible to live a Godly life and use God’s creation resources provided wisely. That also applies to the wealth we have accumulated that has been entrusted to us. Not storing it whereby we only benefit. We are to plan ahead for the times when times are not good and be prudent in good times.
We have a daily accounting to God of our actions. Do we need to change our actions? The friends the steward made were gained dishonestly, and they would discard him when he is of no use to them. Being friends of God we will never be discarded.
We have to decide whether we are going to store up treasure on earth or in Heaven. Are you going to make friends so that you can accumulate wealth – using people? We are to do things pleasing in God’s eyes, serving Him, as we are his stewards.
