severe account of your stewardship. After that moment you cannot imitate the unjust steward any longer, for of the period succeeding this moment it is said, " the night cometh when no man can work." (John ix. 4.) Do good, therefore, whilst you possess the time. Wise and prudent stewards frequently examine their accounts in order to correct any error and be always prepared to settle their accounts. Imitate them by a daily rigorous examination of conscience; for "if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." (1 Cor. xi. 31.)
III. This steward acted wisely for himself, though deceitfully in relation to his master, and Christ commends his prudence, though He condemned his fraudulent action. Would to God that we were as prudent in regard to our salvation! Lament that " the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light." Exert yourself for the salvation of your own soul; for "there is a wise man who is wise to his own soul." (Ecclus. xxxvii. 25.)
SATURDAY.
Wise and Foolish Men.
I. Christ pronounces him to be a wise man who lays the foundation of his house on a firm rock (Matt, vii.); for it will firmly resist the storms, the floods, and the tempests. In our regard, this rock is Christ; the storms, the floods, and the tempests are the temptations by which we are assailed. He builds his house on a rock who grounds his life and actions on the example of Christ and motives drawn from eternity, and by that means overcomes all temptations. "God is in the midst thereof; it shall not be moved." (Ps. xlv. 6.)
