Reducing Debts Before God - Friday, November 6, 2026

Friday, November 6, 2026 My Catholic Life

 

Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’” Luke 16:1–2

At first glance, today’s parable can be puzzling and even unsettling, as Jesus appears to praise deceit. However, when read in light of Catholic tradition, its deeper spiritual meaning becomes clear and richly instructive. This parable is not about how to succeed in the world, but about how to live wisely in view of eternal life.

In the parable, the steward is accused of squandering his master’s goods, which is a serious offense. Facing dismissal, he devises a plan to reduce the debts owed to his master, hoping to earn favor with the debtors so that they might welcome him into their homes once he is out of a job. The master does not praise the steward’s dishonesty, but he does commend his prudence and shrewd foresight in preparing for the future. This becomes a symbol of the diligence we must exercise to prepare our souls for eternal life.

The steward finds himself at a moment of reckoning. He must give an account of his stewardship. The steward’s moment of judgment mirrors the spiritual truth that we are called to give an account of how we have used our time, talents, and treasures. The steward poses a question to himself: “What shall I do?” That same question ought to echo within our own hearts. How do I prepare now for what comes next?

It is tempting to live as if this life were our final end, as if earthly success, comfort, and security were our primary goals. Though we may hope in Heaven, its mysterious and intangible nature can lead us to treat it as a distant dream rather than a present reality.

The moment when the steward is called to account, however, does not simply symbolize the hour of our death. Rather, it points to this present moment. Each day, we are called to live in such a way that we are continually preparing to meet our Lord. Every decision, every act of charity, every use of our material resources is part of our ongoing accounting before God. Knowing that our time in this world is short in comparison to eternity, our ongoing question for self-reflection is: “What shall I do today to prepare for Heaven and eternal glory with the angels and saints?” This is not a selfish question when we understand the correct answer.

Reflect today on how God is calling you to be a steward of mercy. Whom can you help to turn toward God? What debts can you help reduce? By drawing others to Christ, you also prepare your own soul for the eternal reward He promises. Turn your eyes to Heaven and live this life with that eternal perspective, and you will be prepared to give a full accounting of your stewardship before God when the time of accounting has begun.

My Lord and Just Judge, Though You have fully paid the debt of sin that I owe, You ask that I humble myself before You to receive that precious gift. Help me to open my heart completely to Your mercy and forgiveness, and then to go forth diligently, seeking ways to help reduce the debt of others. May my life be a witness to Your grace, drawing souls to conversion, so that together we may share in the eternal rewards of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.