FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Here in today’s gospel we have a dilemma, because on one hand we are asked to exercise good stewardship like this servant, while on the other hand we are asked not to exercise stewardship like this same servant.  Jesus clearly demonstrates that what is expected of us is responsible service.  He holds up the behaviour of the steward as one where one must always look out for the caring of those about them while also caring for the goods entrusted to you.  This is a very delicate balance we must maintain for we cannot do one at the expense of the other.  To do so is implies sheer stupidity and irresponsibility.

On the other hand, the steward was trying to make up for his omission, shall we call it that; but the way he goes about it is by no means one we should follow.  The way he went about it was by no means honest.  What one must argue is motive.  Was his motive pure?  Was it driven by selflessness?  Was it driven by a desire to restore justice and to correct abuse?  Certainly no.  It was driven by selfish protection.  He did what he did so that he would look good in the eyes of those about him so that he could later benefit from the generous action he did for them.  In fact, he had no right to do so.  It was not his goods.  What he did was clearly dishonest.

Sad to say, but this demonstrates a way of behaving even today.  We treat other people’s goods with contempt as if it is ours to do with as we please.  We treat other persons’ property, both real and intellectual, as if it is ours.  We take credit for other people’s work.  We squander the time we are paid for.  We behave like irresponsible stewards.

No servant can serve two masters.  He will either do it properly or not.  This must be our constant theme.  Let us try to get it right the first time and all the time.

Monsignor Michael Lewis