The measure you give is the measure you will get

Rom. 15:14-21, Lk. 16:1-8. In today's first reading, Paul treasures the gift of grace, believing that we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit. He tells the Christians of Rome, whom he has not yet met, about his service to the Gospel in many ways, but admits that whatever he has achieved among the Gentiles was not really his own doing. Rather, it was “what Christ has accomplished through me.” It was the Spirit who prompted him to undertake difficult tasks, to preach where the name of Christ was unknown. Yet, with so much to be done, Paul did not succumb to relentless activism but found time to remember the source and motive of his mission, “the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus.” In the same vein, today's Gospel challenges us to be enterprising and act with initiative. Jesus notes how worldly people possess these qualities more than are the children of light. We must plan ahead and be resourceful, for in making good use of our talents, we serve God who created us in His image and likeness.

The main character of today's Gospel parable is a steward who was dishonest and wasteful, and was dismissed from his post. After being fired, he takes decisive action to provide for his future as best he can. Calling a meeting of his master’s creditors, he reduces the debts they owe, probably by cancelling the cut that he would have taken for himself. In other words, he forfeited money he would have received to gain the future goodwill and hospitality of his master’s debtors. In his moment of crisis he knew that some things were more important than immediate profit and, on that basis, he took decisive action. Jesus told this parable because the children of light, His followers, have something to learn from this tricky character. As the unjust steward used money that was due to him to win friends for the future, we are to use our resources to win friends in Heaven. If we are generous here and now, we will be paid back in the future, in this life and beyond. It is another angle on the principle that “the measure you give is the measure you will get back.”

May the Lord guide and strengthen us in our journey of faith, so that we may continue to live a life which proclaims the Gospel to others! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!