25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: TRUSTWORTHY FOR GOD’S KINGDOM

Prophetic Warning Against Corruption

In the first reading, the prophet Amos exposes the hypocrisy of Israel’s religious and political elites. While they offer sacrifices and pretend devotion at the new moon festival, their hearts are far from God. As soon as the ritual ends, they resume fraudulent business practices—cheating the poor, manipulating weights and measures, and exploiting the vulnerable. Amos reminds us that the Lord never forgets such deeds. His words echo as a divine warning: “The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have done” (Amos 8:7). It is easy to focus on political leaders and the atrocities seen in today’s political circles, but the Lord warns everyone against divided allegiance as a result of the human inclination to material wealth.

The Shrewd Steward: A Parable of Wisdom and Urgency

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus presents a puzzling parable—the dishonest steward who is commended by his master not for his dishonesty but for his shrewdness. This man recognizes his weakness and seizes the moment. He uses the resources still at his disposal to secure a future. Jesus is not praising his actions. Rather, he highlights his prudence and strategic thinking.

Through this parable, Jesus contrasts the “children of this world” with the “children of light,” lamenting that worldly people are often more decisive and cleverer than spiritual people. Jesus urges us to act with the same urgency and wisdom in securing the kingdom of God, rather than waiting passively or wasting the opportunities given to us.

Allegiance and Accountability

The moment comes for Jesus to teach about fidelity in handling earthly and heavenly responsibilities: “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones” (Lk. 16:10). This connects deeply to our daily lives. How do we handle money, power, relationships, and time? Are we reliable, just, and faithful, especially recognizing that God is the source of every possession? These little things of this earth become the training ground for greater spiritual authority.

Jesus warns of the danger of divided allegiance: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” Wealth is not evil in itself, but the love of it—when money and material possessions become idols, they lead us away from the kingdom.

Trust: A Sacred Currency

Trust is the foundation of all healthy relationships—whether between spouses, friends, pastors and parishioners, or citizens and leaders. When trust breaks, suspicion and fear take its place. Just as we long to trust God and others, God also desires to trust us with His gifts. Can God trust you with the Gospel? Can God trust you with your family? Can God trust you with wealth? Can God trust you with leadership?

Saint Paul wrote, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil… and has led many away from the faith” (1 Tim. 6:10). The goal is not just to avoid corruption but to be agents of justice, compassion, and holiness in our daily dealings.

Called to Be Astute Stewards

The astute steward made a choice to act before it was too late. Jesus uses this to teach us about spiritual foresight and the need to make amends. We must invest in eternal life. Let us examine ourselves and reflect on our opportunities for the good of the faith. Are we being generous, honest, and faithful with what has been entrusted to us?

Our journey to eternal life is paved by how we live in the little things. Sincerity in the small details of life builds our trustworthiness in the eyes of God.

Readings: 1^st- Amos 8:4-7; 2^nd- 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Gospel- Lk. 16:1-13

Reflection Questions

1.   How do I handle the little responsibilities in my life—do I approach them with faithfulness and integrity?

2.   Where in my life might I be tempted to place wealth or power above God?

3.   Can God trust me with His gifts—my time, talents, relationships, and influence?