Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Clever Crook

The parable in today’s Gospel is another one with a surprise ending. The crooked steward is commended by his master for being prudent, or clever, trying to protect himself. Jesus did not condone dishonesty. He just wanted us to be just as clever in serving the Lord. Let’s look at the first two readings and how they challenge us to do more. The reading from Amos talks about those “who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor”  (Amos 8:4). The challenge here is to ask yourself, “What do I do for the poor?” If all you can think of is to throw some change in the monthly collection for the poor, you’re not being very clever. Imagine what you would do to help someone you loved who was laid off or on disability leave. Do you love Jesus enough to help the poor in his name? Do you ever think of praying for the poor? Not just a quick response to one of the Prayers of the Faithful for the homeless, but actually taking time to pray for those who are unemployed or with jobs that don’t pay enough to support a family.

 Our second reading also challenges us to do more. Paul recommends prayers for “kings and for all in authority” (1 Timothy 2:2). It’s easy to pray for friends and family; how much time do we give to prayers for government leaders and executives? Even the leaders with whom we disagree could use more guidance from the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us that God wants everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), sinners as well as saints, terrorists and embezzlers, atheists and agnostics. I’ll bet you don’t spend much time praying for the “bad guys.” Yet Jesus said, “Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you”  (Matthew 5:44). This is often difficult. But if Jesus expects more from those who love him, who are we to let him down?