Please read Luke 16:1-13 The Parable of the Corrupt Manager
If you have been sailing through the parables in Luke so far feeling like you have a good handle on the messages of these little stories and can wrap them up into tidy little packages, today’s parable is going to frustrate you. That is probably a good thing. (sorry)
Today I encourage you to sit with this parable and make some lists:
Who is “good” and who is “bad?”
Who is in crisis and who is not?
Who are in positions of power and who is not? Does this relate to their social positions?
What is celebrated and what is despised?
Who are the helpers and what are their motives for helping?
Your answers won’t lead to a magical understanding of this parable (again, sorry), but they might help you to think about the complexity of life and how status, hospitality, integrity, stewardship, faithfulness, and community are dynamic forces in the world. May the untidy conclusions of this parable keep you thinking and never satisfied with easy answers.
In Peace, Pastor Ruth
Let us pray:
We are turning, Lord, to hear you, see you, and know you. You are merciful and kind, slow to anger, rich in blessings. With every twist and turn, lead our steps back to your grace and your mercy. Lead us in your ways of new life, forgiveness, and re-creation. We pray in the name of Christ, the one who reveals your love, Amen.