According to Our True Capacity
By Michele McGrath of Blue Springs, MO, USA
There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said…you cannot be my manager any longer. —Luke 16:1–2 NRSV
When I worked in a restaurant, a man would come at the busiest time every day to deliver bread. He was always friendly and patient. I thought myself too busy to count the bread, but I signed his delivery ticket anyway so he could continue his route. I later found out he had not been delivering all the bread on the delivery ticket. He had been cheating us!
When I read the scripture about the rich man who had a manager that was accused of cheating him, I think of myself as the rich man, and imagine myself, with righteous indignation, being cheated by the bread man. But what if the scripture is not written exclusively for the rich men of the world with their money managers, but also for those who work for someone else, day after day, and are accused of cheating?
What of the honest employee who is unjustly accused and has no chance to clear her name, but loses her livelihood and her sole means of supporting her family? What of the dishonest employee who has made a terrible mistake and must now live with the burden of shame? And what of the rich person who seeks balance between stewardship, accountability, and compassion every day, but sometimes falls short? What is the good news for them? For us?
The kingdom of God is often surprising: like a mustard weed growing wild or seed being scattered indiscriminately. At the end of the scripture passage the master commends the manager for his clever actions in navigating a difficult situation. As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to respond faithfully, whether we have few resources or many, according to our true capacity.
Prayer Phrase
God is with us.
Invitation to Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Ordinary time is a season for awakening to God’s presence in all the details and circumstances of our everyday, ordinary lives. Wherever you are, pay attention to your surroundings. Allow yourself to be fully present for a time with whatever is before you. Where do you sense God with you right now exactly where you are?
How does today’s story invite you to discover God in the realities of your everyday life?
Today’s Prayer for P eace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.