A Different Lens

Luke 16:1-13

Father Mark begins with Jesus’ parable of the dishonest manager, which at first glance seems puzzling. Looking through a purely worldly lens, the parable appears to commend dishonesty and cunning, suggesting that worldly people are more shrewd than spiritual people. But this interpretation contradicts the broader message of the Gospel. Instead, Father Mark invites us to look through a different lens—the spiritual lens of the Kingdom of God—so that the story reveals its deeper meaning.

Seen through this spiritual lens, wealth is called “dishonest” not because it is necessarily stolen, but because it cannot provide what it promises. Money, power, and possessions promise security, happiness, and lasting fulfillment, but these are illusions. Jesus’ warning is that disciples, the “children of light,” must be as vigilant in protecting their spiritual life as worldly people are in protecting their social and physical life. For following Christ threatens the systems of wealth and power, which is why spiritual life is constantly under attack.

Father Mark concludes by reminding us that we live with two sets of eyes: one that sees worldly reality and one that sees spiritual reality. Too often, our “worldly eye” dominates, while our “spiritual eye” is weak, like a lazy eye. Through prayer, worship, Scripture, meditation, and service, we can strengthen our spiritual sight until it becomes dominant. In the end, only God—not wealth, power, politics, or ego—can provide enduring joy and eternal life.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.