Faith and Prudence

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to make prudent choices so that actions we take build up the peace, love, and truth revealed to us in Christ by the Spirit.

Prudent Spiritual Choices

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians urges us to stand firm in the Lord.

* [3:17–21] Paul and those who live a life centered in Christ, envisaging both his suffering and resurrection, provide a model that is the opposite of opponents who reject Christ’s cross (cf. 1 Cor 1:23).

* [3:17] Being imitators of me: not arrogance, but humble simplicity, since all his converts know that Paul is wholly dedicated to imitating Christ (1 Cor 11:1; cf. also Phil 4:9; 1 Thes 1:6; 2 Thes 3:7, 9; 1 Cor 4:6).

* [3:20] Citizenship: Christians constitute a colony of heaven, as Philippi was a colonia of Rome (Acts 16:12). The hope Paul expresses involves the final coming of Christ, not a status already attained, such as the opponents claim. (Philippians, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

Psalm 122 is a song of praise and prayer for Jerusalem.

* [Psalm 122] A song of Zion, sung by pilgrims obeying the law to visit Jerusalem three times on a journey. The singer anticipates joining the procession into the city (Ps 122:1–3). Jerusalem is a place of encounter, where the people praise God (Ps 122:4) and hear the divine justice mediated by the king (Ps 122:5). The very buildings bespeak God’s power (cf. Ps 48:13–15). May the grace of this place transform the people’s lives (Ps 122:6–9)! (Psalms, PSALM 122, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke shares the Parable of the Dishonest Manager.

 

* [16:1–8a] The parable of the dishonest steward has to be understood in the light of the Palestinian custom of agents acting on behalf of their masters and the usurious practices common to such agents. The dishonesty of the steward consisted in the squandering of his master’s property (Lk 16:1) and not in any subsequent graft. The master commends the dishonest steward who has forgone his own usurious commission on the business transaction by having the debtors write new notes that reflected only the real amount owed the master (i.e., minus the steward’s profit). The dishonest steward acts in this way in order to ingratiate himself with the debtors because he knows he is being dismissed from his position (Lk 16:3). The parable, then, teaches the prudent use of one’s material goods in light of an imminent crisis. (Luke, CHAPTER 16, n.d.)

 Larry Hopp comments that we often find throughout the Bible, passages often require a deeper reflection.  Our Gospel message from Luke is just such a message.  According to the world’s view, the story Jesus shared with his disciples doesn’t make sense.

Three significant points for us to ponder are found in that story:  First, we must come to grips with the fact that God is the owner of literally everything - our possessions, our families, and even our very lives. We are thus stewards of all that God has blessed us to manage.  How are we managing that responsibility?  Does our stewardship continually point to Jesus?  Do we try to make things easy for us on earth, forgetting the eternal consequences?  Secondly, are we children of this world or are we children of the light?   Children of the light use their lives as examples of God’s love and His precepts.  We must choose each moment of each day to stand firm in the Lord as a true child of God.  And Third, is this story really just reminding us that nothing is hidden from God and that he truly is willing and able to forgive us all our sins, even when justice demands that our sins be punished.  After all, undeserved forgiveness is what our loving God showers upon each of us every moment of every day.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for providing us with your holy word.  Help us to discern what you have to teach us through each and every passage.   Teach us also to prioritize our time with you and in your word each and every day of our lives.

In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen (Hopp, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus recommends the foresight, prudence, and ingenuity of the steward,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Why did the Lord Jesus Christ present this parable to us? He surely did not approve of that cheat of a servant who cheated his master, stole from him and did not make it up from his own pocket. On top of that, he also did some extra pilfering. He caused his master further loss, in order to prepare a little nest of quiet and security for himself after he lost his job. Why did the Lord set this before us? It is not because that servant cheated but because he exercised foresight for the future. When even a cheat is praised for his ingenuity, Christians who make no such provision blush. I mean, this is what he added, 'Behold, the children of this age are more prudent than the children of light.' They perpetrate frauds in order to secure their future. In what life, after all, did that steward insure himself like that? What one was he going to quit when he bowed to his master's decision? He was insuring himself for a life that was going to end. Would you not insure yourself for eternal life?" (excerpt from 359A.10.) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Philippians 3:17–4:1 comments that we have saints like Paul: sinners just like us who, despite their sin, never gave up on following the Lord. It’s their humility that we should imitate. It’s their repentant hearts and their eagerness to reconcile with anyone they may have hurt that we should follow. It’s their determination to love all God’s people—even if they didn’t always succeed at it—that we should take up for ourselves. Writing to the believers at Ephesus, Paul proclaimed that all of us who believe can have “boldness of speech and confidence of access” to Jesus (3:12). This man, who was keenly aware of his sins and weaknesses, still believed that he could come before the Lord. And, he said, so could we. All because of God’s mercy and love.

So by all means, strive to imitate Jesus. Strive to “be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). But don’t give up if you fall short. In that case, imitate St. Paul and rest in Jesus’ mercy and grace.

“Jesus, help me to imitate all the saints who have followed you throughout the ages.” (Meditation on Philippians 3:17–4:1, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the two possibilities that Paul offers the Philippians to live as citizens of the world or as citizens of heaven. The parable of the Dishonest Steward may be somewhat problematic. Friar Jude reminds us that our ability to figure out how to survive materially, should be applied to prudence about surviving spiritually.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Patty Krawec, an Anishinaabe and Ukrainian writer and activist, who invites us to consider the land itself as our original ancestor. Krawec tells of an ancient Anishinaabe prophecy that envisioned a choice between two paths for the future: one scorched and barren, the other green and fertile.

Remember the two paths of the Seventh Fire—one parched and blackened and the other green and lush. How we prepare now will determine what comes next: either a healing fire that brings wild strawberries and lush pathways or a charred landscape that cuts our feet. For Indigenous people, that means holding on to the knowledge of our ancestors. For the light-skinned people, that means making the right choices about how to live (Rohr, 2022)

We are alerted by the Spirit to be more responsible and prudent about our action to build the Body of Christ than we are about building for our own gratification.

References

Hopp, L. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110422.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/16?1 

Meditation on Philippians 3:17–4:1. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/11/04/526485/ 

Philippians, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/3?17 

Psalms, PSALM 122. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/122?1 

Rohr, R. (2022, November 4). Nature: Our First Ancestor — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/nature-our-first-ancestor-2022-11-04/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=nov4 

Working with Intention

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be open to the Spirit nudging us to work with the intention of wisely using our gifts to build the Kingdom of God.

Develop our gifts

 

In the Letter of Paul to the Romans, he shares his reason for writing so boldly.

* [15:21] The citation from Is 52:15 concerns the Servant of the Lord. According to Isaiah, the Servant is first of all Israel, which was to bring the knowledge of Yahweh to the nations. In Rom 9–11 Paul showed how Israel failed in this mission. Therefore, he himself undertakes almost singlehandedly Israel’s responsibility as the Servant and moves as quickly as possible with the gospel through the Roman empire.1 

Psalm 98 praises the Judge of the World.

* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9).2 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus uses the Parable of the Dishonest Manager to comment on cleverness and prudence.

* [16:1–8a] The parable of the dishonest steward has to be understood in the light of the Palestinian custom of agents acting on behalf of their masters and the usurious practices common to such agents. The dishonesty of the steward consisted in the squandering of his master’s property (Lk 16:1) and not in any subsequent graft. The master commends the dishonest steward who has forgone his own usurious commission on the business transaction by having the debtors write new notes that reflected only the real amount owed the master (i.e., minus the steward’s profit). The dishonest steward acts in this way in order to ingratiate himself with the debtors because he knows he is being dismissed from his position (Lk 16:3). The parable, then, teaches the prudent use of one’s material goods in light of an imminent crisis.3 

Edward Morse comments that, as Paul suggests, even people full of goodness may need admonishment from time to time.  Perhaps we can get a little too full of our goodness for our own good! Focusing on thanksgiving, mercy, and goodness that comes from the works of God in our midst can help us escape this trap.  And perhaps effective admonishment also comes from examples of living out and honoring goodness, albeit imperfectly.

 I would venture that most of us do not like being admonished – particularly if it comes with being judged.  But we often need things we do not like.  The medicine we need in this life is sometimes bitter, not sweet.  Lord, help us accept your admonishments and live wisely in light of the truth and goodness we know, but sometimes fail to execute.  And when we fail, help us to flee to your tender mercies, knowing that your love endures forever.  Amen.4

 

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus recommends the foresight, prudence, and ingenuity of the steward,” by Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Why did the Lord Jesus Christ present this parable to us? He surely did not approve of that cheat of a servant who cheated his master, stole from him and did not make it up from his own pocket. On top of that, he also did some extra pilfering. He caused his master further loss, in order to prepare a little nest of quiet and security for himself after he lost his job. Why did the Lord set this before us? It is not because that servant cheated but because he exercised foresight for the future. When even a cheat is praised for his ingenuity, Christians who make no such provision blush. I mean, this is what he added, 'Behold, the children of this age are more prudent than the children of light.' They perpetrate frauds in order to secure their future. In what life, after all, did that steward insure himself like that? What one was he going to quit when he bowed to his master's decision? He was insuring himself for a life that was going to end. Would you not insure yourself for eternal life?" (excerpt from 359A.10.)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 16:1-8 comments that Jesus wants us to learn from this steward—not from his dishonesty, but from his shrewdness and ability to think about his future. We may or may not have material wealth, but we are all “stewards” of God’s gifts. We can be as creative as this steward when we consider how to use what God has given us to help ourselves—and the people around us. One day our “stewardship” will end. Our resources are only temporary. All the more reason to use them to build the kingdom of God here and now so that one day we can enter the “eternal dwellings” in heaven (Luke 16:9).

Take a look at what you’re doing with the goods you have. How can your gifts benefit God’s kingdom here on earth? How can you use your resources for the good of other people? As a child of God, you don’t have to act in fear like the steward. You can be sure that your heavenly Father will never let go of you. So get creative! Freely give of the gifts God has given to you, and build his kingdom in the process. “Lord, help me to be a good steward of all that you have given me!”6 

Friar Jude Winkler fleshes out some of the concerns of Paul as he prepares to evangelize the Gentiles of Rome. The journey of Paul reminds us that our peace is found living in the Lord. Friar Jude reminds us of the appreciation of the culture of Jesus' time for cleverness that was seen as a survival technique.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that in ‘Laudato Si’, Pope Francis urges Christians to consider the long-term effects of our actions which impact the future well-being of the human species, all living things, and our planet itself.

The notion of the common good also extends to future generations. The global economic crises have made painfully obvious the detrimental effects of disregarding our common destiny, which cannot exclude those who come after us. We can no longer speak of sustainable development apart from intergenerational solidarity. Once we start to think about the kind of world we are leaving to future generations, we look at things differently; we realize that the world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others. . . . Intergenerational solidarity is not optional, but rather a basic question of justice, since the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us. The Portuguese bishops have called upon us to acknowledge this obligation of justice: “The environment is part of a logic of receptivity. It is on loan to each generation, which must then hand it on to the next.” [1]7

 

Our gifts of prudence and cleverness are called to be in service of the common good as we respond to the direction of the Spirit.

 

References

 

1	(n.d.). Romans, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/15
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 98 | USCCB. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98
3	(n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/16
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110521.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=nov5
6	(n.d.). Mass Readings and Catholic Daily Meditations for November 5, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/11/05/239650/
7	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: 2021 - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 5, 2021, fromhttps://cac.org/the-global-common-good-2021-11-05/