The prophet Amos criticizes the people who are powerful, rich and at the top of society for ignoring, trampling and cheating the poor for their own benefit. In today’s Gospel proclamation, the Lord Jesus speaks to us about the dishonest steward who was put in charge of managing the master’s business. He failed to do so out of selfishness to enrich himself and cheated those whom he was supposed to care for.

The master finds out and is going to let the steward go. The steward realizes that he did something wrong and has to face consequences in his life – he will lose his job. He uses his power to change the outcome of his consequence by sacrificing the commission he was to gain. The master then praises this dishonest steward for being prudent.

The steward intentionally did something wrong and at the same time was capable of doing good. Hence we cannot categorize people as totally good or totally bad. The truth is that we are all imperfect. It is easy to see the wrong in others and difficult to see the good – but as disciples of Christ we are called to see the good in everyone – the gold in them, just like our Lord Jesus would.

Try drawing a circle with each of your hands at the same time – you will be able to do this. Now try drawing a circle with one hand and a square with the other at the same time – you cannot do this. This is the principle in today’s Gospel proclamation – we cannot serve two masters simultaneously. We have to make a choice if we are to serve God or money – money is not just wealth but anything that we turn into idols and have more regard for.

God invites us to reflect on his generous love and care for others in every possible way in this world, every day of our lives, especially during challenging times. St. Paul tells us that “This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. We are able to do so through our Lord Jesus and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

So let us examine the roots of our hearts today. Are we rooted in worldly treasures and the love of money which is a root of all kinds of evil? Or are we rooted in God our Father, our creator from whom all good things come. Let us look deep into our hearts and make the right choice, because as the Lord said: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and lose their soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Prayer: Abba Father, mould me and use me for your glory. Amen.