Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Maryknoll Lay Missioner Gabe Hurrish in South Sudan reflects on the Parable of the Unjust Steward.

Today’s Sunday readings struck me right in the face. I live in South Sudan where almost everything written in the readings resonates with the current struggles of the people. The leaders of this extremely poor East African country have seemingly forgotten about the needs of the nearly 12 million people suffering the effects of ongoing violent conflict and climate change.

Money dominates almost all aspects of life in South Sudan. I have witnessed the cruelty perpetuated upon an innocent people so that a few may live in overabundance and luxury. I have listened to the sweet words of politicians who say one thing and do another. Greed and selfishness rule too many lives. Jesus doesn’t teach that this is the way Christians should act.

Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor. No one else will do it.

In today’s gospel reading of the Parable of the Unjust Steward, I am reminded of a quote from the musical Fiddler On the Roof when Tevye says, “Dear God, you made many, many poor people. I realize, of course, that it’s no shame to be poor. But it’s no great honor either!” Similarly, in today’s gospel reading, when describing the actions of the steward as he faces losing his position due to his dishonesty, Jesus points out the ingenuity and cleverness of the corrupt steward, not his worldly idolatry.

Jesus teaches us that just as this unjust steward is willing to go to extreme lengths to save his livelihood, Christians should show such inspiration when defending the Gospel—in small matters as well as great ones.

God’s promise is that, in the end, God will raise the poor from the dust and exalt them on thrones. I think most people just have a small issue with the timing. Why do we have to wait? Couldn’t it happen now? It seems God has forgotten those who continue to suffer in this world.

St. Paul got it right. We should be faith-filled followers of Jesus who simply pray. We pray for everyone, everywhere, all the time. We don’t question or judge. This is not easy. God places many challenges before us. I see how clever and manipulative the rulers of the world are. They know how to work the system to their advantage. Their hearts do not seem to soften from the suffering of those around them. I pray for such people who are astute in the world but know nothing of heaven.

The Gospel Acclamation, which is read just before the Gospel, goes to my heart. It says Jesus gave up riches to be poor for us so that we will be rich. I too have given up riches to live a simple lifestyle among some of the poorest and most oppressed of the world. I often show my weakness by asking God when those riches are going to become actuality. Like Peter, I ask what am I to get out of all this?

It is a prudent heart which waits patiently for the time of judgement. The time when the poor will be raised up is coming and those of this world will tremble. I trust in God.