Homily for the 25th Sunday, Year C: September 21, 2025
Amos 8:4-7; Ps. 113; 1Tim 2: 1-8; Luke 16: 1-13
Faithful Stewardship in an Unfaithful World
Friends,
Today’s Gospel from Luke presents us with one of Jesus’ most puzzling parables: the story of the dishonest steward. At first glance, it seems shocking — the steward cheats his master, and instead of condemning him, the master praises him! What could Jesus possibly mean?
Let us not misunderstand. Jesus does not praise dishonesty. Rather, He points out the steward’s shrewdness. The steward saw that his position was about to end. He could have given up in despair, but instead he used the little time and opportunity he had to prepare for the future. Jesus uses this as a lesson for us: If worldly people can be so shrewd in securing their future, how much more should children of light be wise and diligent in preparing for eternity!
1. The Prophetic Cry for Justice (Amos 8:4-7)
The first reading from Amos reminds us that God pays attention to the cries of the poor. The prophet denounces those who exploit the weak, manipulate markets, or trample upon the dignity of others for profit. This connects deeply to the Gospel: stewardship is not just about managing money, but about how we treat people, especially the most vulnerable. A dishonest steward exploits trust; a faithful steward safeguards life and justice. God will not forget injustice.
2. Praying for All in Authority (1 Timothy 2:1-8)
St. Paul exhorts us to pray for kings and leaders so that peace and justice may flourish. Why? Because stewardship is not only personal, but also communal and political. A good steward does not only care for his own house but also works for the good of society. By praying and interceding for all, we act as spiritual stewards, helping align the world with God’s will.
3. The Gospel Call: You Cannot Serve Both God and Mammon (Luke 16:1-13)
Here lies the heart of today’s Gospel. Jesus concludes with a striking truth: “You cannot serve both God and Mammon.” Money is not evil. It is a tool. But when money becomes a master, it enslaves the heart. The dishonest steward was clever with wealth, but Jesus calls us to go beyond cleverness: to use wealth, time, and talents for eternal purposes. Wealth passes away. Heaven endures forever.
3 takeaways for Us Today
- Be Faithful with Little Things. Jesus says, “Whoever is faithful in little is faithful in much.” The way we use small opportunities — our time, kindness, integrity at work, honesty in business — reveals how ready we are for greater responsibilities in God’s Kingdom.
- Be Stewards, Not Owners. All that we have — our money, health, gifts, relationships — are not truly ours. They are entrusted to us for a time. A faithful steward asks not, “What do I want to do with this?” but “What does God want me to do with this?”
- Invest in What Lasts. The dishonest steward used wealth to gain temporary friends. Jesus invites us to use wealth and talents to build treasures in heaven: generosity to the poor, acts of mercy, support of the Church, faithfulness in our families. These are investments that never lose value.
Brothers and sisters, the dishonest steward, was praised for being shrewd in preparing for tomorrow. How much more should we, as children of light, prepare for eternity? The world tells us: “Get ahead, accumulate, serve yourself.” But Christ tells us: “Be faithful, be generous, serve God.”
Today, let us ask: Whom do I serve — God or mammon? Am I a faithful steward of the gifts God has entrusted to me? Am I using my blessings for myself alone, or for the good of others and for God’s glory?
Let us resolve to live not as owners, but as wise stewards of God’s gifts. If we do, then when our time on earth ends, we will hear those beautiful words of the Master: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matt 25:21).
Always Remember:
Be wise with what passes away, and faithful with what lasts forever.
What is temporary is meant to be used; what is eternal is meant to be treasured.
Money and possessions are tools, but love and faith are legacies.
The wise heart knows that wealth fades, but virtue endures.
Faithful stewardship turns passing gifts into lasting grace.
Eternal joy is built not on what we keep, but on what we give away in love.
God bless you!