Romans 15:14-21 / Luke 16:1-8
What are the few general principles that we should know of if we want to be successful by the standards of the business world?
We know of some: Don't waste time, work hard; be focused; entertain clients and have useful contacts and networking; prepare for the future with strategies, etc.
Successful people in the business world generally go by these principles. Furthermore, they leave no stone un-turned in their pursuit for success and its rewards, ie. wealth.
Jesus made a disturbing statement in today's gospel. He says that the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind, than are the children of light.
So Jesus is implying that the children of light lack the astuteness compared with the children of the world.
The children of light do not seem to have or show an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
But when we see how the people of the world, like the steward in the gospel parable, use every means possible to secure an advantage, it leaves us thinking about what we would do to secure our eternal future.
We may have all those good intentions like what St. Paul said in the 1st reading in the letter to the Romans, but good intentions without action is like wanting something but doing nothing to get it.
The steward was fervent and earnest, although with dishonest means, in making sure he secures an advantage when he is dismissed from office.
We, on the other hand, with the gift of faith, also need to be fervent and earnest in securing our eternal future by helping others secure their eternal future.
For faith without good works, is dead, but faith manifested in good works will lead others to faith and to fervently and earnestly seek for their salvation.