Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional – 31st Week in Ordinary time – Friday – Luke 16:1-8

Continuing with a series of parables, Christ presents to His disciples the Parable of the Dishonest Steward which demonstrates the terrible consequences of dishonesty and the need for men to be prudent and have a sense of urgency about the coming Kingdom.

God (the Rich Man) grants to men (the Dishonest Steward) gifts (the Rich Man’s possessions) to oversee (to be stewards) with the expectation that He will receive a fruitful return (a return on the accounts). God (the Rich Man) is aware of men’s actions (earning a return or wasting goods) and rejects those who fail to gain an honest return (the steward is fired). Rather then repent and seek God’s mercy for sin, rebellious and sinful men (the Dishonest Steward) squander God’s gifts for their own earthly comfort (the Steward deceitfully bargains with the Rich Man’s creditors for future shelter).

Despite crediting dishonest men with initiative (the Rich Man commends the Dishonest Steward’s cunning), God rejects men who remain stuck in sin (the Dishonest Steward is still fired).  Christ explains (Luke 9-13) that men who sin (dishonesty in worldly things) can not be trusted with the riches of the Kingdom (true riches).  Men must choose to serve the master of the world (i.e. mammon, meaning “trusting in wealth”) or the ultimate Master, God; there is no middle ground, for men are not capable of doing both.

Awed by Jesus Christ – The omniscient Son of God, Christ speaks authoritatively about God sees through and condemns the schemes of dishonest men.  Divine Teacher, Jesus is the masterful orator whose parables and teachings are still repeated today (e.g. God/mammon). Divine King, referring to the Spiritual Combat, He reveals that men must choose between serving God and the world.  Divine Judge, Christ eludes to God’s judgment and punishment of the sinful.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Like the Dishonest Steward, many men foolishly believe that they have anonymity in their hidden thoughts and actions. Be awed (filled with holy dread) that every one of your thoughts, words and deeds are known by Christ and that Justice demands that each man be held to account.

2) Because the spiritual life often does not seem not urgent, men put it aside, preferring to enjoy the pleasures of the world, often in sin. Pray for Christ to help you build an urgent desire to pursue the path of sainthood each day.

3) Christ’s reveals that men cannot serve both God and mammon. Called the Spiritual Combat, men are servants to the Master Christ the King or are slaves to the master of the mammon/the world, Satan. Pray to Christ for the faith to give yourself completely to Him.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ

Virtue of the Day – Faith

Corporal Work of Mercy – To visit the sick

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To forgive all injuries