💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 7 💖

First Reading - Romans 15:14-21

Gospel - Luke 16:1-8

We live in a world that prizes cleverness—people who can think fast, make bold moves, and turn situations to their advantage are often celebrated. Yet, today’s Gospel invites us to think deeper about how we use that cleverness. Jesus’ parable of the dishonest steward shocks us at first: how can a corrupt man be praised? But Jesus is not praising dishonesty; He is praising initiative, foresight, and the wise use of opportunity. The theme that flows through today’s readings is this: use your gifts and opportunities wisely for God’s mission, not for selfish gain.

In the first reading, St. Paul speaks to the Romans with humility and purpose. He recognizes that his ministry is not his own achievement—it is the grace of God working through him. He says he glories only in what Christ has accomplished through him, in bringing the Gentiles to faith. Paul had great intelligence, passion, and drive, but he used all of it for the Gospel, not for personal advancement. His ambition was holy: to make Christ known where He had not yet been preached. This is the mark of a faithful steward—one who channels every ability toward God’s work.

In the Gospel, the steward, about to lose his position, acts swiftly to secure his future. Jesus points out that “the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.” In other words, worldly people often put more effort into temporary goals than believers do into eternal ones. The steward used his intelligence and urgency to prepare for the future—how much more should we, as followers of Christ, use our gifts and opportunities for what truly lasts!

God has entrusted each of us with time, talent, and resources. The question is not whether we have them, but how we use them. Are we, like Paul, using our influence, skills, and energy to advance the kingdom of God? Or do we spend them only on ourselves, securing comfort rather than building God’s Kingdom? Jesus challenges us to be spiritually shrewd—to invest in what has eternal value: faith, mercy, justice, and love.

This might mean rethinking how we spend our time, where we place our priorities, and how we handle our responsibilities. The workplace, school, family, or parish—all are fields of stewardship. When we use our gifts to serve, forgive, and uplift others, we are investing in something that outlasts this world.

Today’s readings remind us that God has trusted us with much—and He expects us to be wise, faithful, and courageous in how we use what we have. Like Paul, let us labor not for recognition, but for God’s glory. Like the steward, let us act with urgency and foresight—but for eternal purposes.

May we never waste the opportunities God gives us to do good. Let us live with purpose, using every gift, every moment, and every encounter as a chance to make Christ known. For one day, when we give account of our stewardship, may the Lord find us faithful, creative, and generous in building His Kingdom.