We have all been blessed by God; more than any of us realize. The question is not whether God has blessed us; the question is how do we receive his blessings. Do we ignore them? Take them for granted? Resent them? Reject them? Or do we accept them with a thankful heart?

In this week’s second reading, St. Paul tells Timothy (and us) two important things about the gift that God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit) gives to us. He tells us what it is and what it isn’t.

The rich man in the parable was poor in charity. God gave him daily opportunities to grow in charity in the beggar at his doorstep, but he passed those opportunities by, just as he passed by Lazarus. Whatever our spiritual needs are, we may be assured that God grants us opportunities to have them satisfied. May our eyes be open to see them, and our hearts open to accept them.

Is Jesus really saying we should be like this dishonest steward? No, in terms of his dishonesty, but yes, in terms of his prudence in thinking about what will happen to him when the time comes for him to give account of his stewardship. The day will come when you and I will have to give an account of how we managed all that God has entrusted to us. Are we being prudent in preparing for that day?