7/7/2025 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 16:1-8
1 Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property.
2 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.’
3 The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg.
4 I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’
5 He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
6 He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’
7 Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’
8 And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.
For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.”
7/7/2025 (Friday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 16:1-8
In our fast-paced and competitive world, being wise is no longer just about having knowledge or skills; it’s about having foresight, the ability to see beyond the moment and make decisions today that will shape a better tomorrow. The story of the shrewd manager in the parable above teaches us exactly that: the importance of being smart, intentional, and forward-thinking in how we use the opportunities, resources, and relationships entrusted to us.
The manager in the story faced a crisis. He was about to lose his position because he was careless with his master’s possessions. But instead of panicking or blaming others, he thought ahead. He found a way to secure his future by using what was still within his reach. Though his methods were questionable, his foresight and creativity were commendable. Jesus was not praising dishonesty but highlighting prudence, the wisdom to act decisively before it’s too late.
In modern times, this kind of wisdom is sorely needed. Imagine an employee who learns that his company is downsizing. Instead of waiting for the layoff, he updates his skills, networks with others, and prepares for new opportunities. Or a family that realizes they’ve been spending beyond their means; they sit down, review their budget, and start living more simply so they can build savings for the future. These are examples of foresight, recognizing what’s coming and taking steps today to be ready for it.
Being a wise manager doesn’t only apply to money or possessions. It applies to our time, relationships, and faith. Many people live reactively, waiting for problems to happen before they move. But those with foresight plan ahead. A student with foresight studies consistently, not just the night before exams. A parent with foresight invests time in teaching values to their children rather than simply correcting them later. A person of faith with foresight nurtures a strong relationship with God through prayer and service, not just in times of crisis.
One of the greatest examples of foresight in our time can be seen in people who think beyond their lifetime. Environmental advocates who plant trees, even though they may never sit under their shade; teachers who pour their hearts into students who will one day lead; community leaders who serve selflessly to build a better tomorrow. These people understand that wise management means using the present to invest in the future, be it for themselves, their families, or the world.
However, foresight also requires humility. The manager in the parable admitted his limits; he could not dig or beg, so he used what he could, his mind and influence. Sometimes, we, too, must recognize our limitations and adapt. It’s not about doing everything but about doing the right things at the right time. In our spiritual lives, that means using our current opportunities including our health, our talents, our relationships to serve God and others while we still can.
A wise manager lives with purpose and direction. He doesn’t waste time on resentment, laziness, or fear. Instead, he asks, “What can I do today that will bring lasting good?” That question alone changes everything; it transforms how we work, love, and live.
As we reflect on the story, we are reminded that each of us is a manager of what God has given: time, abilities, relationships, and even life itself. These are not ours to keep but to use wisely for His kingdom. One day, like the manager, we will all give an account. The true measure of wisdom will not be how much we earned or achieved, but how faithfully and prudently we managed what was entrusted to us.
May we, then, live not just for the moment, but with foresight. Let us plan, pray, and prepare for eternity. For the wisest managers are those who see beyond the temporary and invest in what truly lasts: love, faith, and the service of God.
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