The Gospel today is a puzzling one. Luke tells us of a steward, who has been found out by his master to be dishonest. Knowing that he is about to lose his job, the steward attempts to raise his own standing by getting those who owe money to his master to write notes for less, perhaps foregoing his own take to get the money for his master.Still, not exactly forthright. Yet, in the end, the master commends this steward for acting prudently. We know this can not be permission to act less than honestly. Definitely a head-scratcher. What it says to me is that we have to do the best we can with what we are given. The steward felt sorry for himself, but he figured out a way to get money for his master and improve his own lot in life.

It’s a good day to recognize St. Charles Borromeo, whose feast day is today. He was an Italian  bishop in the 1500s, known as the patron saint of learning. He had great power but used his power with humility and unselfishness to help reform the church at an important time. I have a special place in my heart for St. Charles as he was my father’s name saint. When my brothers and sister and I were children, we celebrated St. Charles’ feast day as if it were my dad’s birthday. I am not sure if my dad was continuing a tradition from his own childhood. But today, I am celebrating again, to remember my father and St. Charles. I pray that I can live my life with humility and unselfishness, that I can do good things wherever I am and with whatever I have. I may not always understand God’s plan for me, but I can be sure that God loves me.