The Faithful and Prudent Steward"


Sunday Mass Readings

Through the parable of the faithful and prudent steward, Jesus tells his followers that they must live prudent lives. Along with fortitude, justice and temperance, prudence is one of the cardinal virtues. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines prudence as the virtue that “disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it.” It says, “ the prudent person looks where he/she is going” (CCC 1806). Thomas Aquinas would say, Prudence is “right reason in action.”

Today’s gospel describes a prudent person as someone “whom his/her master will on arrival find doing” what the master entrusted him to do.

In other words, a prudent person, does not allow life to happen to him/her. A prudent person “makes life happen” in the manner that God has willed for him/her. A prudent person has a goal, a vision, a plan. This plan is such that it ends at the Master’s table. Yes, as prudent person “looks where he/she is going.”

Lord, may I be a blessed steward. Amen.