And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. – Luke 16:8
I work in Malacañang. Everyday, I witness how decisions are made by the most powerful men and women of the land. These choices impact on the lives of the people in a major way, often dictating what kind of life we will have.
For the most part, I’m certain that most of our leaders have decided for the greater good. I have seen them make their choices and I know the wisdom behind each decision. But sometimes, I discern self interest in the choices of a very few of these bureaucrats.
These public “servants” are a minority, yet the more they can’t get their way, the louder they become. They cajole, they argue, they flatter and they object (noisily!). If all else fails, they resort to mischief.
Probably, they have forgotten that they are merely stewards and ultimately accountable to the God who loaned them that privilege. I wonder if they even realize that all these power is temporary.
Like the dishonest steward, I pray that they will discover prudence before they lose their second chance by default. After all, if EDSA 1, 2 and 3 haven’t thought them any lessons on prudence (forethought), I’m certain God – who is the Master both of the mighty bureaucrat and the powerless citizen – will Himself find a way to balance these forces in the end. – Lizza V.
Reflection: Before you enter the next, more permanent world, you will have to give an accounting first of what you did in this world.
Lord, remind me always that I am only a pilgrim in this world.
Unedited version of the reflection for the 05 November 2004 readings (Phil 3:17-4:1; Ps 122:1-5; Lk 16:1-8 ) of Kerygma, a widely-circulated Catholic devotional magazine.
