Parable of the Unjust Steward

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Luke 16:1-13 CLASSIC POEM: Parable of the Unjust Steward James Nelligan A certain man did to his steward commit, His worldly goods to manage as seem’d fit, But to his Lord he was accus’d of stealth, And that he wasted and purloin’d his wealth. How is it now, he said, that this I hear, That thou hast been unfaithful of thy care; Give up thy charge, it will not be endur’d That thou in future should’st remain my steward. Now with himself the steward revolving said, What course to follow I am much afraid, If from my hands the stewardship be re-claim’d, I cannot dig, to bed I am asham’d; One course remains as yet, and e’er’t be late, I shall secure myself a safe retreat; Since of my place my Lord doth me deprive, Among his debtors I may hope to thrive. Then calling one, he said, friend, let me know, What goods or money to my Lord do’st owe? I my account, he said, be just and true, One hundred measures of good oil are due. Take quick thy bill, the crafty steward then said, And write down fifty, for so much is paid. Then to another– how much owest thou? Of wheat one hundred measures do I owe, Take now thy bill, he said, and write fourscore, So shall my Lord demand from thee no more. So did the Lord the unjust steward commend, Because he acted wisely in the end. Those of this world can boast of quieker sight, And are more wise than children of the light. Of this world’s mammon, therefore, make ye friends, That so in heaven ye may receive amends. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Children of Light Robert Lowell [ READ THE FULL POEM ]