The readings for today are the kind that make me ill at ease.  The sneaky dishonest steward who anticipates his dismissal and does even more dishonest actions as a fallback plan is not one that I want as a role model.  It seems very different from the usual parables for teaching us for the future.  Yet, I suppose it is an understandable example for earthly problems and earthly solutions to encourage us to be prepared for what really matters in our lives and that is beyond such petty planning and solutions.

There is so much turmoil and unknown at this time of year, I do get more anxious and wonder about the “right way” to prepare for the future.  My fear for the future is very real as I think of my children, grandchildren and now, even, my great grandchild. What is the future for them, my time in the future is way less than the time I’ve already been here. My husband reminds me (and I am grateful) that we are not in control of the future, it is in God’s hands.  The first reading emphasizes that for me.  It really hits home as I read

For many . . . conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.” Their minds are occupied with earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven.

I must be ready for those enemies and as it says in Ephesians 6:11:

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

When I was young, I was afraid to believe there was a Devil, Satan.  It was just too scary and something for movies. But as I grew older, I could see that Satan is alive and active in many areas in lives and in the world in general.  That influence cannot be denied.  I must armor up and put my faith – really live that faith – in our Savior and the eternal life to come.  It is only in these thoughts and actions that I will find peace.

Recently as part of my retirement purging (saved way too much stuff), I came across remarks I made about grant writing and procurement being anchored in hope and faith. So, I will leave you with the quote I used to describe that.

Hope is listening for the music of tomorrow; faith is dancing to it today!!

Toby Mac lost his son a few years ago to drug addiction and I’ve noted a change in his music, you can feel the pain and anguish of the lost, yet an abiding faith/trust and reliance on God that is palpable.
Promised Land