結局由讀者決定 The End Is Decided By Readers

結局由讀者決定（路16:1-8）

比喻包含令聽眾「意外」的元素，這個「不義管家比喻」，更為突出。這管家確實不義，他既揮霍了主人的財物（路16:1），又在被撤職前，以權謀私，繼續損害主人的利益，為自己留下後路（16:4）。主人竟然會稱讚這樣的管家辦事精明（16:8），聽眾一定會感到意外，很想找出原因！但身為中國人的我們，聽了這個類似「狡兔三窟」的故事，一點也不會感到意外。能在自己的困境中想出一個「三贏方案」，這位管家確實「辦事精明」，令人佩服。我們反而很想知道，這個管家最後可以復職嗎？和「蕩子比喻」一樣，「不義管家比喻」的結局同樣是開放的，取決於管家以後的選擇。

從前，管家並不認識主人原來是「全知」的，便肆無忌憚地「揮霍」──這個字與蕩子「耗費」他的資財（15:13）是同一個字──拿主人的財物給自己享受。被揭後又認識到自己的無能（16:3），卻想到了出路，而且主人還稱讚他。管家可以選擇：

1. 懷疑主人的稱讚，不敢相信「全知」的主人是慈悲的，便決定離開主人。恐怕這管家便會步猶達斯的後塵了。
2. 相信主人真心稱讚他，相信他是慈悲的，便向主人認錯，並許諾從今以後憑自己新發現的潛能，忠誠地服事他，求主人賜給他一次機會。

的確，因循安逸的生活，容易蒙蔽了人對真我的認識。即使發掘到自己真正的潛能，也需要一位慈悲的主人給他翻身的機會。天主就是那位連罪人也稱讚的慈悲上主，祂希望一切都可以大團圓結局。
各位朋友，你相信天主是慈悲的嗎？
生命恩泉
圖片鳴謝：wikimedia.org

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The End Is Decided By Readers (Luke 16:1-8)

Parables contain surprise elements for readers. This is especially conspicuous in the Parable of the Dishonest Steward. This steward is truly dishonest because he squandered his master’s property (Luke 16:1). Before he was removed from his stewardship, he prepared for his exit by making use of his remaining days to continue embezzling his master’s property (16:4). Unexpectedly, the master commended this dishonest steward for acting prudently (16:8). The audience must be surprised and very much want to know why. As for us Chinese, we won’t be surprised because the plot is similar to the historical background of a well-known idiom, “A prudent hare prepares three lairs”. This steward was commendable because he was able to come up with a three-win solution in an adverse situation. We are more interested to know if the master would appoint him the steward again. Like the Parable of the Prodigal Son, this Parable of Dishonest Steward is also open-ended and the end is decided by the subsequent choices the steward makes.

Previously, the steward did not know that the master is all-knowing. He would fearlessly squander his master’s property --- the same word used in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (15:13) --- that is, wasting his master’s property on his personal enjoyment! Yet, after being reported and knowing his own incompetency (16:3), he was able to come up with a solution and received praises from the master. The steward could choose:

1. Doubting the commendation of the master and daring not to believe that the all-knowing master is merciful, he decides to leave the master. I’m afraid he would follow the footstep of Judas.
2. Trusting that the master’s praises are genuine and believe that the master is merciful. He apologizes to the master and promises to make good use of the newly discovered potential to serve the master loyally. He begs the master to give him a second chance.

Indeed, a complacent life can easily hinder us from knowing our genuine self. Even if we are able to discover our true potentials, we need a merciful master to give us a second chance. God is this merciful Lord who even praises sinners. He wishes us to have a happy ending.
Brethren! Do you believe in God’s mercy?