Daily Reflection for Friday, November 06, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110620.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Philippians 3:17 – 4:1
Responsorial: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
Gospel: Luke 16:1-8
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
Today’s Gospel parable of the dishonest steward is considered the strangest parable Jesus ever told. This scripture tells this puzzling story. The steward is praised, and Luke is calling the Christian to identify with our master Jesus. The dishonest steward, however, knew that his job would end because of the mistreatment of his master’s property. “And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.” Luke 16:8.
This parable reminds me of my younger siblings. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, at age eleven I had a large newspaper route! My brother and sister sort of helped me on the route with collections since they were not rising early for a 5 a.m. delivery!
My newspaper bill that had to be paid on Sundays was close to $100. I was always short, and my parents contributed for my very embarrassing shortage! It made for a really bad Sunday! I just couldn’t figure it out. As I walked home on a Saturday after working with a food huckster, the owner of Paul’s Confectionery saw me –“so good to see you, Carlos. Tell your brother and sister that their standing order is in.” Mind you boxes of juicy fruits, dot candy strips, and black licorice. Now I knew—my younger siblings were collecting money and not giving it to me. I went home, told my parents. and I was reprimanded as though I was the wrongdoer!
My brother and sister were the shrewd stewards—dishonest but clever—who made the best of a situation. I reaped the punishment for not being diligent. God, in this story a merciful rich man,will let ones such as my brother and sister stumble, scheme, and still receive grace and love.
So what do we learn from this parable? Is Jesus encouraging dishonesty? Jesus is merciful, caring, and tender to all even though we may have, at times, been dishonest and untruthful! Let’s not forget, life is a choice between honesty and dishonesty and between good and evil.
Grow with Christ by giving grace and showing love!
Dorothy and Carlos Alexander