Dear Friends,

Sunday of the Steward

Like last week’s parable of the Prodigal Son, this Sunday’s lesson also reminds us of gains and losses. The steward was the highest functionary of the noble families of ancient times; he oversaw the finances of the family and administered all the affairs of the house. Like the prodigal son, the steward is guilty of misusing the gifts he is given, of spending the belongings of others for his personal use.

This is a difficult parable but we can understand it better if we remember that Jesus spoke of two different groups of people. The “children of light” are those who live for heaven and therefore by God’s laws. On the other hand, the “children of this world” live just for this world and therefore live by its values. The steward is a typical “child of the world,” clever and far-sighted about his own welfare. He has misused his master’s possessions and is asked for an accounting. Afraid he would be dismissed, the steward reduces the moneys owed his master by others so that they would welcome him into their employ. This is commended by the master!

Perhaps what Jesus means by this story is that if people use all their means to gain security for their worldly lives, shouldn’t believers do the same for their spiritual welfare? This parable calls us to be vigilant and ambitious in the use of the world’s ways for heavenly purposes.

Read:    Luke 16:1-13

Reflect:  What does Jesus mean when He says, “No one can serve two masters?” What “masters” pull you away from God?   (text adapted by the Department of Youth and Education, Diocese of the Armenian Church, from “The Golden Chain of Lenten Sundays” by Patriarch Shnork Kaloustian )

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
February 24, 2008