Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 27 Aug 2026
XXI Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Monica, Memorial
1 Cor 1:1-9. Mt 24:42-51
Faithful and Prudent Servant
Today’s Gospel has two parts. In the first part, Jesus speaks about the owner of a house who remains watchful. The watchful owner protects his possessions from being stolen. In the second part, Jesus presents two kinds of stewards.
The faithful and prudent servant gives food to the other servants at the proper time. When the master comes, he is found doing his work. The wicked servant beats his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards. He is not ready for the coming of his master.
Among these two servants, the first is faithful and prudent. The second is wicked.
The faithful and prudent servant does what he is supposed to do. The wicked servant creates his own idea and thinks that his master will act according to that idea. In this way, he begins to do evil against himself and against others.
Jesus says that the steward must have two qualities: he must be faithful and prudent.
To be faithful is directed upward. It is faithfulness to the master. To be prudent is directed towards equals and those below. It is wisdom in dealing with the people entrusted to him. When these directions are confused, problems of administration begin.
For example, if a teacher working in a school tries to show cleverness before the headmaster, it may become dangerous for his work. In the same way, if the teacher begins to show faithfulness only to the office staff and students under him, he may lose the trust of those above him. Therefore, the steward of the house must possess both qualities in the proper direction. Both are values. But their direction makes them useful.
This steward must avoid three things. First, he must not make excuses for himself. Second, he must not beat the servants under him. Third, he must not give himself to eating and drinking in a way that makes him lose control. Therefore, his mind, his hands, and his soul must remain pure.
The position of the steward is not something he chose for himself. It is something placed upon him. He has placed his own will under the will of his master. Therefore, greater responsibility is expected from him. Much has been entrusted to him.
In today’s first reading, Paul tells the people of God in Corinth: “In Christ Jesus you have become rich in every way.” The presence of Christ fills their hands. They have received grace, speech, knowledge, and strength. Since they have received much, they must also live with responsibility and faithfulness.
Today we remember Saint Monica. Saint Ambrose told her about Augustine, “The son of your tears will return to you.” Monica remained firm until the end in her faith and prayer. She becomes a beautiful example of a good steward. She was faithful to God. She was prudent in patience. She did not give up the responsibility entrusted to her as a mother.
Today Jesus asks us to be faithful and prudent servants. In our family, parish, work, ministry, and community, something has been entrusted to us. We are not owners. We are stewards. We must not use our responsibility for self-comfort, domination, or negligence. We must be found doing our work when the Lord comes.
Faithfulness keeps us before God. Prudence helps us serve others well. When both come together, we become servants whom the Master can trust.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
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