Wakeel el Zolm

Last Friday I was asked to explain the parable of the Shrewd (Unjust) Steward (Mathal Wakeel el zolm) in servants' meeting .. I had soooo much fun preparing for it, it seemed like every book I read had a different explanation/contemplation/insight, whatever you call it. I gave 3 examples of totally different interpretations, but for the sake of space and that guys don't like reading a lot (hahaha) I'll only share one of them.

You'll find the text in Luke 16:1-9, it'd be great if u have your bibles, or read it online on www.biblegateway.com .. Sorry I'm blocked from all religious sites at work :(

This interpretation by Anba Raphael gave proof that this steward (el wakeel) was actually framed!!! He was innocent but was destined to be called guilty and unfaithful!!

I know this may seem a very strange interpretation, but think of it:
1) Others set him up for this accusation; notice that the word used "wosheya bih" was used by Zaccheus the tax collector, when he said if he "washa be a7ad" he will restore him fourfold. So this means the steward was cheated on.
2) The landlord didn't give him a chance to defend himself; once the lanlord heard the lie, he formed his judgement.
3) If the steward was really a thief, why would he care that much for a place to accept him after he is fired; he would have enough money to support himself!!!

A general thing about stewards is that they don't have a salary; landlords usually give them a price to sell according to, then stewards add their profit to it. For example, the landlord would tell his steward "I don't care how much you sell the apples for, as long as you give me 10LE per Kilogram".
So actually what the steward did when he decreased the price from 100 to 80 and from 100 to 50 was that he took out HIS OWN PROFIT, making sure that the landlord got ALL the money he asked for. This explains why the verse after says "Whoever is faithfulin a very little is faithful also in much", because although the steward was fired he still made sure that the landlord got all his money. Another great deed this steward did was that by decreasing the money people owed, they would be able to pay their debt faster.

The spiritual reflection for this is I guess, somewhat obvious:
1) Keep our eyes always towards the future (our eternal life).
2) Be very wise in our priorities .. People VS. Money
3) Giving to poor .. God loves it, when we care for our less fortunate brother and sisters
4) Give up our ego and our self-centeredness, especially in service give God all the glory he deserves (just like the steward gave up his profit).

Sorry for the long sharing, I really miss you all and love you all :) ...

Yours,
Mikooo