Commentary

25th Sunday - C
Luke 16: 1-13

Dishonest Wealth and True Wealth

For a couple weeks now we have been reading various passages from Luke with Jesus addressing the great crowds that travels with him or those who oppose him.

Today's gospel is a lesson from Jesus to "his disciples." [1] This means the lesson is for those who have been invited to follow Jesus and those who want to do so lovingly and faithfully.

It is to Jesus' followers a great treasure has been entrusted: the Kingdom of God. [2] This is the true wealth because it is God's gracious gift to us, and it lasts forever. This wealth is what Jesus refers to as "What is yours."

We are the stewards of this true wealth. How are we managing it?

In addition, we are also stewards of the "dishonest wealth" of this passing world. This dishonest wealth is passing, therefore it "belongs to another." Sooner or later, it will be taken away.

The dishonest wealth gives us both opportunities and challenges. As followers of Jesus, we can choose to use dishonest wealth to "make friends" for the Kingdom. Or we can allow ourselves to become "not trustworthy with dishonest wealth;" and as a result, not trustworthy "with true wealth."

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[1] Luke Timothy Johnson, The Gospel of Luke. Sacra Pagina Series. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991; p. 247.
[2] Francis J. Moloney, The Gospel of the Lord: Reflections on the Gospel Readings - Year C. Homebush, Australia: St. Paul Publications, 1991; p. 165.