The parable of the dishonest steward in an example of praising the manner in which an action is accomplished while yet blaming the sinfulness of the action. The steward in this parable (according to the unanimous interpretation of the Church Fathers) is acting dishonestly and stealing from his master by writing the new lower bank notes for the debtors - but he acts prudently insofar as he is preparing for the future.
Many people today spend more time preparing for retirement, than for heaven. Our Lord instructs us to act prudently now, using our money, our energy, our time and talents to prepare not so much for worldly happiness, but for eternal rest in heaven.
We note also that between this Sunday's Gospel and next (the story of the rich man and poor Lazarus), St Luke places the words of our Lord, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." We recognize that love of money has destroyed countless marriages. Additionally, love of money and an excessive anxiety about material comforts (whether money, travel, time, energy, or even physical health) has lead many Catholics to reject the gift of more children and instead commit mortal sin by practicing contraception. But marriage and family life lived generously helps to free us from a love of money and opens us to God's grace!
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