The faithful and wise steward

Friday 23 April 2021

The faithful and wise steward

The Lord answered (to Peter) : Who then is the faithful and wise steward whom the master will appoint over his servants to give them their ration of wheat at the proper time ? Blessed is that slave whom his master, when he comes, will find doing so ! Truly I say to you that he will establish it over all his possessions. Luke 12:42-44

The Lord prepares his disciples for the tasks which he will entrust to them after Pentecost : to proclaim the Gospel to all men, but also to nourish spiritually those who would accept this good news. He therefore offers them a parable : that of a householder who instructs a trusted servant to give suitable food to each of his servants.

What does this food consist of ? In a ration of wheat, that is to say a staple, solid and nutritious food. It had to be distributed at the right time so that everyone had regular food. This reminds us of the manna that the Lord gave daily to his people in the wilderness. Today, to nourish his redeemed, the Lord provides his Church with spiritual gifts so that the faithful may be edified, exhorted and comforted. Those whom God qualifies speak for him. The essential food they present is Jesus Christ himself, the true bread of life. The Lord places his trust in those who teach ! What an encouragement for them to give a pure, healthy, balanced teaching, coming only from the Word of God !

Let us not forget, however, that the apostle Paul commanded the Colossians to teach and exhort one another (Colossians 3:16); It is therefore the duty of every believer to participate, in his measure, in the distribution of spiritual food.

In our parable, the master, on his return, finds that the steward has carried out his work faithfully and that, henceforth, he can really count on him. So he entrusts him with the administration of all his property. When the Lord returns, what joy it will be to reward His servants ! They have not worked for a reward, but they will be happy to receive one based on their faithfulness in their service on earth.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)