Receive the graces offered by Christ
By Greg Zambrano
Recently, a priest during his homily explained the parable of “The Unjust Steward” from Luke 16:1-9.
All my life, I had never understood this Gospel. I thought the message was that it is ok to cheat others in order to get ahead, not be unemployed or to lessen the trouble we are in. I always knew that the fault was with my understanding, because there’s no way that Jesus could be saying that.
The priest reassured everyone that the teaching is go to Christ and take the graces needed from him to make it to eternal life and not lose your soul.
Jesus tells us in the Gospel that if you shelter, feed, provide water and clothing to any of his little ones, you have done it for him, Jesus.
The church teaches of the corporal works and the spiritual, works of mercy, which give so many examples of how we can work here on earth for the kingdom of God.
All of us, at one point, have received without pay, and we must do in return and give without pay.
Looking at the conditions for a plenary indulgence, going to confession, receiving Communion and praying for the pope are required.
By providing through prayers, time and treasure towards the kingdom of God, we will see our heavenly reward.
Here are some Bible reflections on which to reflect:
“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” –
John 14:2 (from the Revised Standard Version of the Catholic Edition of the Bible).
“Let us teach our children to purify ourselves through the sacraments and perform good works of mercy for the mercy of our own souls and to provide for many in need. … Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins” – 1 Peter 4:8 (from the Revised Standard Version of the Catholic Edition of the Bible).
“For almsgiving delivers from death, and it will purge away every sin. Those who perform deeds of charity and of righteousness will have fulness of life” – Tobit 12:9 (from the Revised Standard Version of the Catholic Edition of the Bible).
