How Shrewd Are You?

Today's Gospel Lesson, Luke 16:1-13 generated some curiosity about the use of the word "shrewd". In the parable, Jesus tells the story of a man who shrewdly manages assets and is commended by the "boss" for doing so. Then Jesus candidly observes that the children of light (each of us!) are typically far less shrewd regarding the riches of God's gifts and blessings than they are with even their most meaningless indicators of trivial worldly accomplishments and possessions.

Perhaps Jesus uses the word "shrewd" to indelibly inscribe upon our hearts the way our human skills and abilities can either serve as a barrier or a conduit for the faithful life of discipleship. To "be" shrewd, one has or shows keen awareness, sound judgment, and often resourcefulness, especially in practical matters. Shrewd suggests a sharp intelligence, hardheadness, and often an intuitive grasp of practical considerations. (from Dictionary.com)

We evaluate, categorize, "track", manipulate (you choose the word) all sorts of stuff -- our weight, the miles we walk/run or ride, our aerobic rate, our pension funds, savings accounts, investments. Amazing amounts or time (and money AND human attention) are dedicated to a process of "measuring and allocating" worldly resources. Take a moment to honestly look at the frequency, and the means by which you "care" for what you see as yours. Appreciate the amazing accuracy provided by modern technology -- and the variety of "shrewd" ways that you can not only care for what you have now, but also speculate about what you might have in the future.

In some ways, we can simplify the lesson by fast forwarding to the end: "You cannot serve God and wealth." If God is at the center of your existence and the guiding light of all choices and priorities, you will, quite simply, keep all things in proper perspective: lower, less valuable, and inconsequential compared to the Lord and all he offers to you and asks of you.

Speculate for a while...how different would the world be if the children of light were, indeed, as shrewd with the riches of the kingdom as the children of the "world" are with their material concerns? What if each of us dedicated significant time, energy and curiosity about how all that we are and have might be magnified for the good of others? What if our question always was: How can I serve God as I am temporarily a steward of ....... (fill in the blank -- it may your time, your abilities or your money)? What if the children of light were as "shrewd" in determining how to expand the number and the quality of disciples as the world is shrewd in figuring out how to maximize profit, gain, return?

I suppose there is absolutely no way to predict...no way to possibly determine the amazing, miraculous happenings that might unfold! Yet, we have been promised abundant, lavish blessings, and miraculous power to affect the "world" ... through Christ, and in His Holy Name.... May our knowledge and wisdom (our shrewdness) as his disciples increase. May our innocense and surrender to the Lord of Light and Life deepen and and expand. Now, and Forevermore! Amen