Faith Reflected in Our Works

by David Lins  |  09/22/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

This is one of those Gospels where 90% of Catholics either wonder it was they just heard as they mumble “thanks be to God” or miss it entirely (statistic entirely made up).

Jesus tells the story of a financial advisor who messes up and destroys his employer’s portfolio. Then, before he is fired, he goes out and accepts various partial payments as full payments without permission. Thus, he makes friends with those who were able to settle their debts at fractions of the full amount due. This ensures he has opportunities once he is fired.

The crazy part? Jesus seems to affirm this man’s behavior!

What is actually happening here?

Jesus says, “For the children of this world (think: secular world) are more prudent in dealing with their own generation (their peers) than are the children of light (followers of God).”

The man is corrupt. He is ripping off his employer. This is not a good thing. But what Jesus wants us to focus on is this truth: the man is using something that is not his to secure his future.

The implication is that we, as children of light, should be doing the same. Everything we have is God’s. It is not ours. We are merely stewards. Yet, when we give it away, we secure our futures in the world to come.

In his Sermon 359A, Augustine said, “Surely Jesus did not approve of that cheat of a servant who cheated his master, stole from him, and did not make it up from his own pocket… Why did the Lord set this before us? It is not because that servant cheated but because he exercised foresight for the future… He was insuring himself for a life that was going to end. Would you not insure yourself for eternal life?” (Check the next page for a quote from Ephrem the Syrian.)

It is worth noting, this parable is incompatible with the teaching of most of our protestant brothers and sisters who believe in salvation through faith alone. We Catholics hold firm to Jesus’ teaching that our faith must be reflected in our works, such as giving to others what the Lord has entrusted to us. According to Jesus, acts such as these help insure our eternal life.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.

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