Ever plan an extensive trip? Vacation? Maybe a big move? There is a lot to do when one prepares for such 
an adventure. Maps to check. Lists to make. Bags and boxes to pack. My daughter and I are planning a trip from Michigan to Virginia to be with my brother and his wife for Thanksgiving. I can’t tell you how excited we both are to be with them, but for the last few weeks I have worry about the car and presently I am making plans to take it in for a “check-up.” I have had fun thinking about what dishes I could cook before hand to take with me. I have thought about what needs to happen here before I go… There is a lot of forethought that goes into any such trip.
In today’s Gospel we hear a parable of Jesus that seems so out of place. In Luke’s gospel, chapter 16, Jesus offers the story of a steward of a rich land owner who seems to be cheating his boss to gain favor with the locals and then Jesus praises him for his prudent action. Is Jesus saying its ok to do something wrong to take care of yourself? Read Luke 16:1-8 and see what you think is the moral of this story.
As with much of Bible, when we put this passage into context we see that this is in a series of parables and teachings, many about the cost of discipleship. We also need to understand that most likely the steward was not cheating the master. In the time of Christ up to this present day someone who manages something for someone else adds their fee into the total cost. A manager of an actor will add their 10%. A lawyer figures they get a percentage of the settlement. Every good business person figures in the cost of production when setting a price. This is not a new concept and one that the Steward was acting on. His motives were selfish, yes. He was protecting his future by “making nice” with the people around him. But he was doing it by taking his “cut” out of the fee. Most likely, as he went about his final collection, knowing what the Master expected, he simply eliminated what he, as the steward would get. This way those he went to thought he was making them a great deal. Jesus was praising him for his forethought and insight; not for his deception.
In my last blog (November 5, 2008) I talked about the idea of counting the cost of ministry before becoming involved. It is not always possible to know all the factors but most of us make better decisions about planning our next big trip then we do making lifetime commitments. Jesus never asked us to disengage our brains when becoming involved in faith, but many do. When asked why they got involved in this or that ministry I have heard such answers as: “Because somebody asked me.” or, “Because it felt right.” And when troubles occur the response is not to get down and dirty with figuring a better way. More likely the response is “I will trust in God to deliver me.” I am not discounting these as unimportant just insufficient. Planning, foresight, and awareness are prudent qualities to have for anything that is longtime, and what is more long term then our faith life.
We are quickly coming to the end of our liturgical year. Advent is just weeks away. The wisdom of our 
yearly calendar is that in the course of each year we revisit important questions and concepts. We are asked, as we grow and develop, to continue to learn more, become more. November brings closure to a year in faith. And as we end one year and prepare to begin another we are asked once again to stop and think about what we are doing. Stop making decisions based on impulse and “the moment” and to think about the future; to prepare for the future — tomorrow, next year, next decade. To stop and ask ourselves: What do I NEED to continue to live my life of faith with certitude, confidence and strength? Not a simple question but one when answered gives foundation to our future in faith. Do we need a stronger community base within which to gain support and grow? Do we need a mentor or spiritual director to show us the particular way for our lives. Do we need to learn more about our faith of do we need healing?
For us as Catholics Advent, (This year November 30th is the First Sunday of Advent), begins our “New Year”. Now is the time for each of us to reflect on what have been our challenges in remaining faithful. Now is the time to begin to make decisions on how to be like the steward who acted with foresight. Now is the time to stop expecting God to do it all and become ACTIVE participants in your own faith life and make some 
decisions about our future. This way we can welcome our New Year in a little more stronger; a little more steadfast in our faith. I remain, your servant in Christ,
Theresa
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