Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C
Reflecting on Luke 16:1-13
Ah, football season. Is there anything more exciting? Is there any assembly more joyous than the community of believers who gather at the altar of football, wearing the liturgical robes bearing their team’s logos?
Did you hear the fight song the nearly 70,000 Philadelphia Eagles fans sang, somehow all on pitch, (thanks to the recording playing to keep everyone together) at the season opener? The unity and fervor of that huge audience shook the stadium. Now THIS is the shared faith, almost worth dying for, that unites all believers..
Huh. How is it that the singing at Sunday Mass isn’t as robust, as heartfelt, as joyous as the cheers and songs routinely chanted at NFL games? Why does a text like Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim! not inspire the same ear-piercing singing as Hit ‘em low, hit’em high, and watch our Eagles fight!—which, by the way, is pitched five notes higher than the average hymn?
I think the answer lies in today’s curious parable. The secular world has found delightful ways to build community, and Jesus applauds the unjust steward for recognizing what works out there in the world, and using it to his advantage.
This wily servant bets on the (corrupt) financial savvy of the Master’s debtors. They know he’s cooking the books in their favor, and, by siding with them, he’s betting that they will be good to him after the Master dismisses him. Now that’s using your talent to ensure your retirement plan!
Like so many, my heart soars when I hear huge crowds singing and chanting for their team. How can we capture that joy when singing the texts of our faith?
What successful secular strategies can you adapt for growing your spiritual life?
Kathy McGovern ©2025