25th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 16: 1-13

What Belongs to Another?

“If you are trustworthy in what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours?” (16:12) is a confusing question. 

One way of interpreting Jesus’ question is to break it down and ask, “What belongs to another?”

But first, who is this “another?”

Earlier in Chapter 12, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, with the warning that nobody has control over one’s own life.  Thus the warning, "You fool, this night, your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” (12:16-21)

Looking at the question of 16:12 this way, this “another” can be a reference to God, to whom all things belong.

God has given us life, and everything else.  And it is up to us to make friends with what belongs to God  so that when all fails, “you will be welcome into eternal dwellings” (16:9).