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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings, Sept. 19, 2010
By Sharon K. Perkins
Catholic News Service
September 19, Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Cycle C Readings:
1) Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113:1-2, 4-8
2) 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13
When our oldest daughter was still in her pre-teens, she declared that she wanted to be an actuary when she grew up. Once I figured out what it was that an actuary did, I was not surprised by her admission. She had been a "bean counter" from an early age, even improvising a ledger in a small spiral notebook for tracking credit entries (her weekly allowance) as well as the occasional debit (when her father and I had to borrow a little cash!).
Her aptitude for accounting has since guided her career path as a corporate auditor and is matched only by her skill in bargain hunting. Her shrewdness in financial matters surpasses even my penny-pinching abilities, serving her well in these challenging economic times.
Today's Gospel about the "crafty steward" has always intrigued me. Why would Jesus hold up as a model a servant who engaged in probable embezzlement of his master's property and some rather shady manipulation of his accounts?
From Jesus' perspective, the point here is not the steward's immorality but his astuteness. The accountant, recognizing the signs of his impending dismissal, takes quick and prudent action. By rewriting the debtors' invoices, he enhances his master's reputation for generosity, and he makes use of material goods to build relationships that will benefit him in the long run.
God has not only provided for my family's needs but has blessed me with all sorts of resources, tangible and intangible. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of gratitude, proper perspective and prudent action when it comes to God's gifts. I am called to be thankful, especially for the gifts that I don't recognize to be gifts at the time.
The blessings God bestows aren't simply for my benefit -- they're given to demonstrate God's generosity to others. Life isn't about accumulation of "stuff" -- it's about building relationships with people and taking wise but practical action on their behalf.
Ultimately, good stewardship isn't about the state of the economy: it's about the state of one's heart.
QUESTIONS:
When was the last time you reflected upon the many blessings in your life and thanked God for them? In what way(s) have you been a good steward of those blessings and used them for God's purposes?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"Prepare a full account of your stewardship" (Luke 16:2).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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