The Road Devotional | Lent 2024

Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg—I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’ “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’ “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’ “‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’ The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 

One important thing to remember: this is a parable and not advice on how to run your household! While this would have been obvious to those who heard Jesus’ words at the time, it is less obvious for us. Why is that? Because the allegory Jesus was making was obvious: God is the landowner and Israel is the manager. This parable gives us a glimpse into God’s economy, reminding us that relationships are essential. You may not always be able to rely on the way things are. You need to be kind to those in all walks of life, because you never know what the future holds for you.

Q.How do I approach challenges in my life? Do I seek creative and Spirit-led solutions, or do I rely solely on my own understanding?

God, in the quiet spaces of contemplation, we seek Your guidance and wisdom. Open our hearts to the lessons embedded in this parable. Help us embrace a contemplative approach to stewardship, aligning our lives with Your economy of love, grace, and eternal significance.

Amen.