SOCL, 25C

Sunday September 21, 2025

See

The banking crisis is only one example of a wider “honesty deficit” in public life. Even people working for charities are sometimes found, unfortunately, to be lacking in integrity. As a result, the story of dishonest management will not lack contemporary echoes. It also means that the shock of story—the manager continues to fix the books for his own benefit—is just as much a shock today as it would have been in first-century Palestine. If that were not enough, the ironic teaching drawn in v. 9 borders on the sarcastic, not to say caustic. No missing the meaning, in any case! But what is the meaning? It can’t be simply copy that distressing example of the manager. To act, not to delay, seems to be at the centre.

Listen

Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113 (112); 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13

Reflect

(Luke 16:1-13)

As often with the parables of Jesus, this one is intended to shock in order to make us think. Jesus is not praising the injustice of the servant, but his purposefulness in preparing for the future. In your experience what difference does it make when you are purposeful and energetic instead of lethargic?

It was his master’s call to account that galvanized the servant into action. What have been the experiences, or people, that have galvanized you into action when you had been somewhat halfhearted in your efforts?

Who have been the people whose energy, drive and astuteness have been an inspiration to you in how to handle difficult situations?

“No servant can be the slave of two masters”. When have you experienced the truth of this statement?

Pray

God our saviour, you call us into your service. Make us wise and resourceful: children of the light who continue your work in this world with untiring concern for integrity and justice. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.