Jesus is an astute observer of human nature.  In Luke's parable he observes that  like the dishonest manager the children of this world are more enterprising in taking care of this-worldly concerns than of other-worldly concerns.  Their daily decisions of life are aimed at enhancing their worldly self-interest.

This gets the disciples' attention -- and ours.  Are we children of this world or children of light?  Do our daily decisions flow from what maximizes our prosperity and status in this world or from what is more conducive to loving and serving God and our neighbor?

The parable challenges us to examine our daily actions -- actions not only in our homes but also in our workplaces -- and ask each day whether we have lived for mere self-interest or for service, as children of darkness or as children of light.  Honesty forces us to acknowledge that the answer is mixed.

In his epistle to the Philippians, Paul comforts us by reminding us that our citizenship is ultimately in heaven and that through the power of our savior our darkness can be transformed.  Paul knows this firsthand, from his own transformation from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle of Christ.

Do we really want to live each day as children of light?  If so, where do we need to be more open to the transforming power of our savior?