The paradox of the dishonest steward
September 21, 2025 – Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113, R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Gospel – Luke 16: 1-13
It is interesting to note that the story about the steward in today’s Gospel seems to reflect the situation we are in. We see in the story of the dishonest steward how he built a web of corruption. Our first point for reflection.
The second point is quite a puzzle to figure out. Why did the master commend the dishonesty of the steward? Then let me end with a prayer to summarize our reflections.
A twisted web
The web of corruption is the exact opposite of what we have always advocated in the network of compassion. To begin with the instigator is the dishonest steward. His character is counter to his role. He is a steward or in Filipino a “katiwala.” He was entrusted with the master’s properties. Being a dishonest steward is an oxymoron.
The Filipino term is more vivid. “Hindi mapagkatiwalaang katiwala.”
He proceeds to influence others and builds a web of dishonesty and corruption. Talking about how this reflects our situation now, it hits home. We were shocked by the web of corruption in the flood control projects. It was first the contractors, and just when we were appalled by their immoral and disgusting—I like the Filipino terms, “kasuklam-suklam, nakakasuka”—ways we learned of the DPWH engineers.
But the question remains, who played the role of the dishonest steward? That is not yet clear in the current investigations and hearings in the lower house and the senate.
We cannot lose this battle
The second point is equally intriguing. Why the praise for dishonesty?
To begin with, this is not the same as one politician stated recently, i.e., it is okay to steal or lie, so long as there is repentance. I think the Lord did not mean to encourage us to cheat, but rather to be wise and to plan well in doing good.
I’ve always advocated learning how to operate, especially in dealing with the ways of the world, so to speak. We need to have operators to help us navigate through such things as the web of lies and corruption.
This is premised on our accepting that there is a dark side to our world. As the Lord said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as cunning as serpents and yet as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:15)
This emphasizes the importance of how we need to learn to “combine discernment and integrity in [our] actions.” This is how we are to respond to our present crisis. It is a battle for the soul of our nation and our people. We cannot sit back and relax. We cannot not take a stand. We cannot lose this battle.
We must focus on this singular issue for now. Let no one, let no other issue distract us for now. This is being wise—the combination of cunning and innocence.
Let me end with the prayer I composed, the Prayer for the Jubilee Year of Hope that we pray at the end of our online and cable channel Mass.
Jubilee prayer of hope in times of national renewal
God, Our Father, Lord of History, Spirit of Justice and Peace, we stand humbly before You as a nation to seize this opportunity You have opened for us to address the widespread corruption in our society.
This moral crisis will define us and our future with the choices we will make. We will never be the same, either we come out better or worse from this crisis. Help us overcome this crisis and emerge from it better by seeing clearly, choosing well, and acting right.
This is the source of our renewed hope: we are at the threshold of curbing corruption and bringing to justice the guilty, and we shall be better by giving back in compassionate service to those who paid for corruption, the poor who suffered the floods and the lack of basic services.
We held onto the words of our bishops with hope. We did not give up on one another and our country. Now we know how You do not and will never give up on us.
Bless us that all our actions and mobilizations, our organizations and movements may begin in You with hope, sustained by You in our works for justice and peace, and with You brought to completion with faith, constancy, prudence, and love. Amen.
