As we meditate on today’s readings for Feria III following the VIII Sunday after Pentecost, we are called to contemplate our spiritual inheritance and our stewardship of God’s gifts.
In Romans, St. Paul reminds us of our adoption as children of God: “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear; but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father).” (Rom 8:15) St. Augustine, reflecting on this passage, writes: “What greater proof could there be of God’s love for us than that He who has a Son coeternal with Himself should make Him our Brother?” (Sermon 194)
This divine adoption places upon us a great responsibility. As St. Cyril of Alexandria teaches, “Having been counted worthy of such great blessings, we must lead lives worthy of the calling with which we have been called.” (Commentary on Romans)
The parable of the Unjust Steward in Luke’s Gospel further illuminates our duty as adopted children of God. While the steward’s actions may seem puzzling at first, St. Augustine offers insight: “The lord praised the unjust steward, not because he had acted unjustly, but because he had shown foresight for the future.” (Quaestiones Evangeliorum)
The steward, realizing his impending dismissal, acts shrewdly to secure his future. Similarly, we are called to use our worldly resources wisely in preparation for our eternal future. St. John Chrysostom exhorts us: “Let us then transfer this wisdom to things spiritual, and let us gain friends for ourselves through the mammon of unrighteousness, that is to say, through our riches.” (Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew)
As adopted children of God, we are not called to fear, but to prudence and wisdom in our spiritual lives. St. Ambrose reminds us: “The children of this world are not praised for their wisdom, but for their shrewdness in their own affairs; while the children of light are reproved for not exercising the same care in spiritual matters.” (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke)
Let us, therefore, embrace our identity as God’s children and exercise wise stewardship over all that God has entrusted to us. May we use our earthly resources not just for temporal gain, but to store up treasures in heaven, always mindful of our eternal inheritance.
As we continue through this liturgical season, may we grow in our understanding of our adoption in Christ and our responsibility as stewards of God’s gifts, that we may one day hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”