Twenty-Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year C: Dishonest Steward Or Shrewd Manager

There’s an old story about Moishe, a medieval Jewish astrologer who prophesied that the king’s favorite horse would die soon. Sure enough, the horse died a short time later. The king got angry at Moishe, certain that his prophecy had brought about the horse’s death. He summoned Moishe and commanded him, “Prophet, tell me when you will die!”

Moishe realized that the king was planning to kill him immediately no matter what answer he gave, so he had to answer carefully. “I do not know when I will die,” he answered. “I only know that whenever I die, the king will die three days later.” Guess what? Moishe lived a long life.1

Similarly, the dishonest steward teaches several lessons if we can open our minds to understand the experiences of such a character.

“You’re fired!” he was told by his boss. While the dishonest steward was clearing out his desk, his boss ordered an immediate financial audit and discovers that the steward erased a large portion of the clients’ debts so the steward could secure favor and future hospitality for himself with each of them.

What is surprising is that the boss commended him for his white-collar crime. In other words, he perhaps grudgingly conceded that the steward was very clever.

The lesson is obviously not to break the law for dishonest wealth.

There must be a proper disposition to temporal wealth- not trying to get by immoral means like narco-traffickers or those in our First Reading who “fixed their scales for cheating,” and saw the Sabbath Rest as a hinderance to making a profit. 2

Regarding the Third Commandment, "Remember the Sabbath day, Sunday, to keep it holy,” which is to hear Mass, but I will tell you practically what you can and can’t do on Sunday sparing you having to reference the Catechisms of St. Trent, Pius X, the current Catechism, the old and new codes of canon law, and Catholic tradition, Marian apparitions, and moral theology:

What you can’t do on Sunday--

Any servile work like housework, homework, any business. Also, no going to restaurants, legal acts, public trade, shopping, even on-line, organized Catholic league youth sports, and other public buying and selling (1917 Code of Canon Law, c. 1248; the La Salette apparition).

Why? Because the Catechism says in 2187, that Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day. And public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.

Are they legitimate excuses to the above?

Yes, but the Catechism says, let legit excuses not lead to habits. (CCC 2186).

Why are they legitimate excuses? Remember, the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.

Exceptions to Sunday work include those required by their employers to work on Sunday in the “traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, like keeping airports and hospitals open, etc.), you should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure and hear Mass on Sunday even if you have to work. (CCC 2187).

Prudential discernment on a case-by-case basis, include:

Things like gardening, sports, like soccer, bocce ball, etc. if its relaxing. Also, watching football on TV on Sundays if it is not an occasion of sin, like using vulgar language or seeing it in commercials, drunkenness, etc. Regarding going to a stadium to watch a live professional sports game, this is a prudential decision if it’s not too costly, stressful in traveling, and does not hinder family time, and you can consider that, for example, Catholic NFL players appreciate before-game Masses celebrated by local priests; who no doubt, get to stay and watch the game for free; yet it’s still a prudential decision to attend.

What must you do on Sundays-

Have joy on the Lord’s Day, the relaxation of mind and body, reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation, things conducive to the interior life, good works, care to your families and relatives, if granted the opportunity: humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly (CCC 2172; 2186).

Back to our Gospel:

Jesus calls wealth "dishonest" because of its inherent corrupting influence, the systemic injustices often tied to its acquisition and use, and its potential to deceive people into believing it is a source of true security.

Baptized believers should use the worldly resources they possess to serve God's eternal kingdom by being generous and helping the poor, and do it in a way that involves street smarts, enterprise, and proactive initiative.

We are all dishonest business managers when we sin. But there is Good News! Imagine the judgement: The books were opened up and verdict was clear—guilty! Then Jesus comes along and is willing to forgive, and we accept the offer. Jesus on the Cross says to us, “How much do you owe God? Sit down and write, None!”