Daily Catholic Lectio
The Gospel Meets Life
Wed, 21 October 2026
XXIX Week in Ordinary Time
Eph 3:1-12. Lk 12:39–48
The Faithful Steward
We carry many responsibilities in life. In our families, workplaces, the Church, and society, we are entrusted with different duties. But sometimes, we begin to mistake responsibility for authority, and authority for ownership. We start behaving as though everything entrusted to us belongs to us. This is one of the serious problems of human life.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks, “Who is the faithful and prudent steward?” He answers that the faithful steward is the one whom the master finds carrying out his responsibilities when he returns.
The steward’s responsibility is to distribute food to the other servants at the proper time. He has been entrusted with authority. But this authority is not meant to dominate others; it is meant to meet their needs.
When I read this Gospel, I am reminded of Joseph in the Old Testament. Sold as a slave in Egypt, Joseph eventually becomes the steward of Potiphar’s household (cf. Gen 39). When Potiphar’s wife tempts him to enter into an immoral relationship, Joseph asks how he could commit such a sin against God. He then flees from the situation.
Joseph teaches us two important lessons. First, we must recognise our boundaries. Second, we must have the courage to walk away when those boundaries are threatened.
A steward may possess the key to a house, but that does not make him its owner. Similarly, the responsibilities entrusted to us do not give us unlimited authority. Instead, they make us more accountable.
Jesus presents two kinds of stewards. The first continues to fulfil his duties faithfully even when the master is absent. The second assumes that the master will be delayed and begins to mistreat the other servants, living according to his selfish desires.
Both have received responsibility. But one sees it as service, while the other turns it into domination.
Finally, Jesus declares that much will be required of the person who has received much.
If we have received greater talents, opportunities, knowledge, wealth, or authority, it does not mean that we are superior to others. It means that greater honesty, love, and responsibility are expected of us.
What matters is how we use what God has entrusted to us. Do others grow because of our authority? Are their needs met because of our responsible service?
Responsibility is not an opportunity to control others; it is a calling to help others flourish.
Today’s invitation: Let us identify one responsibility entrusted to us and fulfil it today with greater honesty and love.
A question for today: Do I use what has been entrusted to me to control others or to serve them?
Prayer: Lord, help me recognise the responsibilities you have entrusted to me. Teach me to exercise authority with humility, fulfil my duties with integrity, and treat others with love. Amen.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
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