ACC ~ Matthew 24 v46

RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LORD’S GOODS

CHRYSOSTOM: Everyone should make full use of what he has been given for the common advantage of all. If you possess power or wealth or wisdom, do not use it to hurt your fellow servants. If you do, it will be to your own ruin. Since sins come from foolishness, he requires both wisdom and fidelity. One is faithful who has been a good steward of his Lord’s goods, not stealing from the Lord, not spending without aim or fruit. One is wise who knows how to dispense the things given him in a fitting way. Indeed, we have need of both these things together, faithfulness and wisdom, and these in conjunction. We are called to exercise our stewardship in a fitting manner, spending carefully. And we must not steal from the Lord. If one of these is lacking, the other is halted. There would be great blame if one were to waste the Lord’s goods, spend freely the resources we have been given, even if we never stole anything at all. Similarly there would be heavy charges to make against one who spent his Lord’s goods well but occasionally stole something for himself. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 77.3. [1]

[1] PG 58:706; NPNF 1 10:466.

A GREAT PROMISE

ORIGEN: “Blessed is the servant whom the Lord will find so doing when he comes.” A great promise is extended to the Lord’s faithful and wise stewards. It is like the promise he made to those to whom he said, “Take authority over five cities” or “take authority over ten cities.” [1] For to be made the head “over all his possessions” is nothing other than to be made an “heir of God and coheir with Christ” [2] and to reign with Christ. The Father has given him everything he himself possesses, as Christ said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” [3] The Son of the good Father who is given authority over all his Father’s possessions also shares this honor and glory with his faithful and wise stewards, so they also might be with Christ above every creature and authority. This is what he meant when he said, “Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 62. [4]

[1] Lk 19:17-19.

[2] Rom 8:17.

[3] Mt 28:18.

[4] GCS 38.2:143.