While I was on vacation last week, every morning I would walk to the local store to buy newspapers. One day, as I was walking out the door, after purchasing papers, the cashier waved her hand in the air and said,
“Sir, here is your change.”  I forgot that I gave her more than the amount and that she owed me change. I said thank you for being so honest. She responded, “There are still honest people out in the world these days.”  As I walked out of the store, I smiled and said a prayer for her.
 
This weekend we celebrate the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.  The readings this weekend focus on being honest, taking responsibility of our actions, and looking out for the poor and less fortunate.
 
In the first reading from the Book of Amos, we read how the prophet has words of warning for those who take advantage of the poor.  Amos came to Israel from Judah to steer the king and the people in the right direction.  In the second reading from Paul to Timothy, Paul asks for prayers for everyone to accept the message of the gospel.  In the Gospel of St. Luke, Jesus tells a story about a dishonest but shrewd steward. (Throughout Luke’s gospel, Jesus repeatedly instructs his followers about the proper use of money).  After teaching the parable of the Prodigal Son from last week’s gospel, Jesus uses this story of the dishonest manager to teach that nothing could be greater than the inheritance that Jesus followers were promised. The dishonest steward is smart and quick to act. God’s gifts are always given to be shared for our good, and the good others.  Wealth comes from relationships, not from objects.
 
In the gospel, Jesus does not intend to praise the unjust steward for his dishonesty rather, Jesus commends the steward for willingness to foresee and do whatever it might take to ensure a prosperous future.
 
How much are we willing to sacrifice to sacrifice to follow Jesus?  As we live and work in the world, we are called to be trustworthy and responsible in obeying God’s laws of charity, honesty and justice.