Breaking the Word

31^stWeek in Ord. Time, Friday – 05^th November 2021 — Gospel: Lk 16,1-8

Have Eternal Security

On the one hand, a story of this sort might lead to interpret that dishonesty or stealing is all right. However, the point is not that, but the manager uses all his skills to get out of an extremely difficult situation. He uses all his ingenuity, creativity, and inventiveness to save his life. Therefore when Jesus praises him, he is not praising his dishonesty, but of the steward’s prompt and speedy action; his transparency in dealing with the wealthy master. Jesus focuses here on the contrast between the steps that a person takes for temporary things of the earth and the lethargy shown when it comes to things eternal. He remarks that people who focus on this world, (“the children of this age”) give more foresight to their future than do the people of God (“the children of light”). Jesus says that the disciples should apply themselves to honour and serve God with their possessions as much as worldly people apply themselves to obtain security from money and favour.

31^stWeek in Ord. Time, Thursday – 04^th November 2021 — Gospel: Lk 15,1-10

Called to Rejoice

While the parable of the Lost Sheep, is also found in the Gospel of Matthew, the parable of the Lost Coin is found only in the Gospel of Luke. These two parables focus more sharply on God’s joy at the recovery of what had been lost. Therefore, the parables focus not on the need for repentance but on the rejoicing and the call to the righteous to join in the celebration. In fact, God called upon the ninety-nine to rejoice. We are to rejoice and make merry over every repentant brother, every time someone accepts God’s mercy. Whether one will join in the celebration will reveal whether one’s relationships are based on merit or mercy. Those who cannot rejoice exclude themselves from God’s grace. However, only by God’s grace can we extend mercy the way that Jesus does. When we pray for that gift, our stony hearts melt and we are led from unforgiveness and judgement to peace and authentic joy.