Today's Gospel reading explains the meaning of the "Parable of the Dishonest Steward" (Lk.16:1-8).

The main theme of the parable is the prudent use of material possessions. How does this apply to us in our own context?

The steward represents 'the children of this world' who know how to cope with life situations. Their shrewd, decisive and enthusiastic response is a contrast to that of the 'children of light' - disciples of Christ.

Wealth does not necessarily be the advantage to our relationship with others. The prudent use of wealth will include sharing it with the deprived and marginalized. This is because we are not the absolute owners of our possession for everything belongs to God. What we have belongs to God. However, in reality, we see how money has the power to enslave people and they use it to exploit, enslave others especially the weaker ones in our society.

As disciples of Christ, we are called to be detached from obsessive pursuit of wealth and work towards attaining heavenly riches.

St. Paul in the first reading shared how grateful he was to the Philippians who did not fail to reach out to him in time of need. This is truly the example of Christian sharing we want to imitate.