The Gospel for Friday of the 31st week in ordinary time is taken from Luke 16:8. Jesus said to his disciples, a rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, what is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward. The steward said to himself, what shall I do now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg.

I know what I shall do, that when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes. He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, how much do you owe, my master? He replied, 100 measures of olive oil. He said to him, here is your promissory note. Sit down quickly and write one for 50.

Then to another he said, and you, how much do you owe? He replied, 100 measures of wheat. He said to him, here is your promissory note. Write one for 80. And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. But the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.

It seems almost selfish to say we should be thinking about what is best for us. What do we really want? What do we really need? But what Jesus is trying to do is to make clear that there is a thing in human beings that is wise enough to know I must take care of myself. And Jesus is offering the very thing we need most to care for ourselves, and that is life with him forever. He’s honoring the man who takes care of himself.

And he’s warning us that when we don’t pay attention to the gifts that God longs to share with us, we’re doing something very foolish. We’re going to find ourselves in a place where we will not be able to survive. After your reflection, I will close with a prayer. Satan Sa the closing prayer. Father, you continue to long for an intimate relationship with us where you can discuss things with us. We can ask you questions about our choices.

You will always lead us to a place of abundance and fullness. Let us always follow you, trust in you, and do all that you call us to do. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.