As we reflect on the readings from Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11 and Luke 19:12-26, especially within the liturgical context of Feria II after the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, we are invited to meditate on the virtues of faithfulness, stewardship, and the pursuit of spiritual wealth, guided by the wisdom of the Church Fathers.
The Virtuous Man and His Reward
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 31:8-11 extols the blessedness of the man who has remained faithful and free from greed in his dealings with material wealth. “Blessed is the rich man that is found without blemish, and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures.” The passage honors the one who, despite having wealth, has not allowed it to corrupt him, and who has kept his soul unstained by the sins often associated with riches.
St. John Chrysostom, known for his homilies on wealth and poverty, echoes this sentiment by teaching that the true measure of a person is not found in their material possessions but in the purity of their soul. He writes, “It is not poverty or wealth that makes a man poor or rich, but the condition of the soul. For riches and poverty are in themselves indifferent; it is the disposition of the user that makes them harmful or beneficial” (Homily on 1 Timothy). The blessed man of Ecclesiasticus, therefore, is one who has mastered his desires and used his wealth as a tool for good, rather than allowing it to become an idol.
Faithful Stewardship in the Kingdom of God
In the Gospel reading from Luke 19:12-26, we encounter the parable of the ten servants, each entrusted with a portion of their master’s wealth. This passage emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship and the consequences of neglecting one’s responsibilities in the Kingdom of God. The servants who wisely invested their master’s money were rewarded, while the one who hid his portion out of fear was condemned.
St. Gregory the Great offers a profound interpretation of this parable, viewing the servants as symbolic of all Christians, who are entrusted with varying degrees of grace and spiritual gifts. He writes, “Each servant of God, according to the measure of his intelligence and virtue, has received the talents of grace, and he who does not increase them is blamed, because he has not shown diligence in keeping what he has received” (Homily on the Gospels). The faithful servants, therefore, represent those who actively cultivate their spiritual gifts, contributing to the growth of God’s Kingdom.
St. Augustine further elaborates on the fear of the unfaithful servant, pointing out that it was not the lack of ability that led to his condemnation, but rather his sloth and fear of failure. Augustine notes, “Fear is the enemy of love; fear does not allow one to go forward, does not allow one to act; fear paralyzes, and the slothful servant was condemned because he acted out of fear, not love” (Sermon on the Gospel of Luke). This teaches us that God does not merely demand productivity but a heart motivated by love and trust in His providence.
The Call to Holiness and Spiritual Wealth
Both readings remind us that the Christian life is not about the mere accumulation of material wealth but about the faithful use of the gifts and graces God has entrusted to us. The virtuous man in Ecclesiasticus is blessed not for his riches, but for his integrity, and the faithful servants in Luke are rewarded not for the amount they return, but for their diligent and faithful stewardship.
As we live out our faith, especially in this time after Pentecost when the Church emphasizes growth in the virtues, we are called to examine how we are using the spiritual and material gifts God has given us. Are we, like the blessed man, free from the corrupting influence of wealth? Are we, like the faithful servants, actively cultivating the talents and graces God has entrusted to us for the benefit of His Kingdom?
In this spirit, we are encouraged to renew our commitment to faithful stewardship, trusting that our labors, when offered with love and diligence, will bear fruit for eternal life. Let us also remember the words of St. Ambrose, who wisely said, “The things of this world are no longer ours when we depart hence; only our virtues accompany us” (On the Duties of the Clergy). May our virtues, especially those of faithfulness, diligence, and charity, be the treasures we store up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust can destroy.
Concluding Prayer:
O Lord, grant us the grace to be faithful stewards of all that You have entrusted to us. May we live our lives in the pursuit of spiritual wealth, using our talents and resources for the glory of Your Kingdom. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may we remain steadfast in our commitment to holiness, so that we may be found worthy to share in the joy of Your eternal banquet. Amen.