“I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16).

Is Jesus here promoting dishonest wealth? Certainly not, but he knows the way of the world. To put the Gospel in perspective, let’s look at the First Reading. The First Reading makes clear that those who dishonestly cheat the poor will certainly pay for it. God will not forget such wrongdoing. So perhaps Jesus is saying that if there are any adjustments made in our dealings with others, is should be to err on the side of the poor. If we favor the poor and the disadvantaged, then God will favor us when judgment time comes.

Jesus also says in this Gospel: “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones.” Look at the accusations being thrown around regarding the candidates for president. The premise is the same as the Gospel today: if this person acted such when in a lower position, then this is how they will act as president. The same applies to each of us: how we act when no one is looking shows our true character before God, and God alone will be the judge of that. So let us be sure to use our time, talent, and treasure in a way pleasing to God, whether others are looking or not.