In today's Gospel reading, one may wonder why Jesus praised the steward. In fact Jesus praised him for only one thing - wisdom in recognizing the critical situation he was in and prudence in acting to secure his own life. This prudence is proposed for emulation by the disciples. Faced with the daunting challenges of the proclamation of the Kingdom by Jesus, they too should act prudently and decisively. In the context of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, this parable challenged those who follow Him on His way to take a prudent and decisive step.

Since this parable is placed just before the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, it also implies a concern for the proper use of material possessions. It invites the listeners to a prudent use of their possessions in face of the crisis of the Kingdom proclaimed by Jesus.

In our present realities, we see how those who are interested in profit-making, power and self-interest at the expense of the weak and voiceless, know how to plan, act decisively and work hard to achieve their goals. However, we see Christians not able to take decisions in terms of the challenging mission given by Jesus to bring God's reign in our modern society.

St Paul in his letter to the Romans spelt out clearly his mission in bringing the Good News to those who did not know Jesus. His single-mindedness and decisiveness in the task entrusted to him, made him one whose mind and heart is to do God's will.