Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 7 Nov ‘25
Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time, Friday
Romans 15:14-21. Luke 16:1-8
Using the Riches
Today’s Gospel (Luke 16:1–8) brings before us one of Jesus’ most intriguing parables — the story of the dishonest steward. At first glance, it seems to trouble our moral sense. How could Jesus praise a man who misused his master’s wealth? Yet, Jesus does not praise his dishonesty; He praises his prudence, his foresight, and his ability to act decisively when the moment demanded it.
The steward in the story is a man who realizes that his time of comfort is ending. He is about to lose his position, but instead of sinking in despair, he acts with practical wisdom. He reflects on his limitations — “I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg” — and then plans his next step with courage. He uses what is still in his hands — the wealth of his master — to build relationships that will sustain him later. Jesus sums up the lesson in one sentence: “The children of this world are wiser in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.”
What Jesus commends here is not corruption, but creative stewardship. The steward uses material wealth — something temporary — to secure something lasting: friendship, welcome, belonging. And that is precisely the point of the parable. Wealth in itself is not evil, but it demands wisdom. It can be used either for self-centred security or for the service of love. The question Jesus poses is: How do you use what you have?
St. Paul, in today’s first reading (Romans 15:14–21), mirrors this same principle. He sees his mission and his ministry as a sacred trust. Every gift he has — his learning, eloquence, zeal — he uses for one purpose: to bring the Gentiles to the obedience of faith. His riches are not coins but charisms. Paul teaches us that when one’s purpose is clear and one’s heart is directed toward God, every resource becomes a means of grace.
Thus, both readings lead us to a single truth: the wise use of riches — whether material, intellectual, or spiritual — depends on our vision. The steward looked ahead to his uncertain future; Paul looked upward to the glory of God. We, too, must look beyond the present moment, seeing in our possessions and abilities an opportunity to build the Kingdom.
Jesus challenges us to make use of “unrighteous mammon” — wealth that passes away — to gain eternal friendships that endure. True prudence lies in transforming fading treasures into instruments of mercy. To use riches well is to turn them into bridges of compassion and hope.
May we, like the steward, learn foresight; like Paul, learn purpose; and like Christ, learn to give ourselves away — using what we have for what will last forever.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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