The liturgical texts assigned for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost provide a striking juxtaposition of themes: the dignity of divine adoption in the Epistle and the paradoxical praise of a dishonest steward in the Gospel. These readings invite us to deeper meditation on our spiritual condition as sons of God who must live prudently in a world that often rewards cunning over virtue.
“You have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear, but the spirit of adoption of sons.” (Rom 8:15)
St. Paul addresses the Roman Christians with a profound reminder: the Christian is no longer a slave to sin, but a son and heir of God. In the traditional Roman Rite, this Epistle always falls on a Sunday shortly after the Feast of Pentecost, placing it within the context of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit is not one of fear and bondage but of sonship, through whom we cry, Abba, Pater.
St. John Chrysostom comments on this passage with deep pastoral warmth:
“He does not say, ‘You have received a spirit of liberty,’ but ‘of adoption.’ This is greater than liberty itself: for even a freed slave is not a son.” (Hom. on Rom.)
We are no longer driven by the compulsion of law or the fear of punishment, but by filial love. The freedom given to us in Christ is not license, but the power to act as sons—imitating the obedience of the Son to the Father, even unto the Cross.
“Make unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity…” (Luke 16:9)
The parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1–9) has long puzzled commentators. How can Our Lord seemingly commend dishonesty? But as with many parables, Christ teaches through contrast: the steward is not praised for his fraud, but for his foresight and prudence in securing a future for himself.
St. Augustine reflects:
“The Lord did not praise the steward for his cheating, but for his foresight. He acted with prudence for his earthly benefit; you must act with greater prudence for your heavenly inheritance.” (Sermo 113)
In light of the Epistle, we are reminded that our inheritance is not temporal, but eternal. If the children of this world exert such energy to secure passing benefits, how much more should the sons of God labor for their eternal reward?
St. Ambrose reads this parable allegorically: the steward symbolizes each of us, entrusted with the goods of another—namely, God’s graces. He writes:
“We are stewards of another’s wealth: we must not waste what belongs to God, but give freely to the poor, that the debtors may be received into the eternal habitations.” (Commentary on Luke, 7.244)
Thus, we are invited to use the mammon of this world—not to indulge, but to practice charity, detachment, and mercy. It is not the wealth that is evil, but its misuse. Wealth, when distributed with wisdom and love, becomes a means of grace.
Living as Sons, Serving with Prudence
The tension between the two readings—divine adoption and worldly prudence—summons us to examine the way we live. Do we act as true heirs of the Kingdom, or do we live like slaves to the world and its fleeting securities?
St. Leo the Great offers a call to action:
“Recognize, O Christian, your dignity: and becoming a partner in the divine nature, do not return by a degenerate conduct to your former baseness.” (Sermo 21 de Nativitate Domini)
The sons of God must be both spiritual and shrewd—not worldly in desire, but wise in action. As heirs, we must live in hope, walk in charity, and use every good entrusted to us in view of eternity.
Conclusion
On this Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, as we approach the midpoint of the liturgical season between Pentecost and Advent, the Church holds before us the image of Christian maturity: the spiritual man, moved not by fear but by love, acting not with naivety but with supernatural prudence.
Let us then cry out with the Spirit, Abba, Father, and live as sons—not squandering the goods of grace, but investing them with foresight and charity, that we may be welcomed into the everlasting dwellings.
Suggested Spiritual Exercises:
- Lectio Divina: Meditate on Romans 8:12–17, placing yourself before the Father as an adopted son or daughter. Ask for the grace to live with the heart of a true heir.
- Examination of Stewardship: Reflect on how you use your time, resources, and gifts. Are they ordered toward eternity?
- Practice of Almsgiving: Make a concrete act of charity this week, giving “from another’s goods” as a faithful steward.
Collect for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (from the Roman Missal):
“Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right: that we, who cannot exist without Thee, may be able to live according to Thy will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ…”