Homily for Friday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time

In the parable from today's Gospel reading, a rich man confronts his steward about the mismanagement of his property. He orders the steward to prepare a full accounting and informs him that he will no longer be employed.

Recognizing his predicament, the steward, with admirable courage, decides to seek the help of his master's debtors. He calls each one of them and reduces the amount they owe. While this act involves a certain level of dishonesty, it conveys a more profound message.

Notice that the master appears less angry with the steward after he sees how the steward has eased the burden on the debtors. Perhaps, witnessing the mercy of the steward treating the debtors, the master also softened his response with mercy. This highlights the transformative power of mercy in the face of wrongdoing.