THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Her Doctrine and Morals

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

23 July 2023

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The Sunday

Sermon

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Dear Friends in Christ,

Today's Gospel reading (Saint Luke 16, 1-9) gives us the parable of the unjust steward. We are reminded that we are all stewards of God's gifts and are not truly masters of anything. We will all have to give an account of our stewardship (our life) when we can be stewards no longer. We are all sinners, but we are offered a means to mitigate the wrath of God before we must present ourselves before Him to be judged. We are to be merciful and generous towards one another with the gifts that God has given us. This is, in essence, how we can express our fulfillment of the Second Great Commandment — To love our neighbor as we love ourselves. God has no direct need of any gifts that He has given us, but He desires that we use whatever we have in lovingly aiding each other. What we do for one another out of the love of God and neighbor is considered as being done to Jesus Himself.

For today's inspiration, we borrow the words of Saint John Chrysostom.

"There is a certain erroneous opinion inborn in mortal men that increases evil doing and lessens good. It is the belief that whatever comes into our possession in this life, we possess it as masters of it; and so, when the chance arises, we seize these things as ours by special right. The contrary is true. For we are not placed in this life as lords in our own houses, but as guests and strangers, brought hither whether we would or not, and at a time, not of our choosing. He, who is now rich in a moment, is a beggar. Therefore, whoever you may be, know that you are but an administrator of things that are Another's and that upon you has been bestowed but the right of their brief and passing use. Cast then from your soul the pride of dominion and put on instead the modesty and humility of a steward."

And he called him and said to him etc. ...

"… Daily the Lord cries out to us similar things, through the events of our life: showing us a man in the full possession of health at noon, and before evening he is lifeless; another dying at his evening meal, and so in various ways are we relieved of our stewardship. But a faithful dispenser, who is untroubled in his mind regarding his stewardship, desires with Paul rather to be dissolved and to be with Christ (Phil. i. 23). He, however, whose desires are earthly ones, is troubled at the thought of his going forth. And so, we read:"

And the steward said within himself: What shall I do ...

"To be feeble in action is the consequence of a life of sloth. Had he been accustomed to labor, he would not now be fearful. But, if we take the parable allegorically, there is no time for labor after we have departed this life. The present life is the time for doing what was laid upon us to do; the future is our time of reward. If you have not labored here, in vain do you make provision for the future; nor will it help you to beg. We have an example of this in the foolish virgins, who unwisely begged of the wise virgins, but came back without anything. Each one has put on his own manner of life as an inner garment; and it is not to be put off or to be changed with another. The unjust steward, however, arranged for the canceling of debts, contriving with his fellow servants a way out of the consequences of his own evil deeds. For we read:"

I know what I will do, that when I shall be removed etc. ...

"For as often as a man, seeing his own end approaching, lightens the burden of his own sins by some kind act to others, either by remitting the debts of a debtor, or by giving in abundance to the poor, bestowing the things of his master, he is making friends for himself of many who will give testimony of truth on his behalf before the judge, and not with words simply, but by making known his good deeds; and what is more, they will secure for him by their testimony an abode where he may find rest. But nothing is ours; all things are but part of the riches of God."

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us!