The logic of the world and the logic of the Gospel – two opposing lifestyles that day’s Gospel reading invites us to reflect upon – was the theme of the Pope’s meditation before praying the Angelus with the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

The Holy Father spoke about the parable of the unfaithful and corrupt manager, whom Jesus praises despite his dishonesty. “We should note that this man is not presented as a model to follow, but rather as an example of cunning. This man is accused of the mismanagement of his master’s affairs and, before being removed, astutely tries to curry the favour of his debtors, writing off a part of the debt so as to guarantee a future for himself”.

To this worldly shrewdness we are called to respond with Christian shrewdness, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. “This means distancing ourselves from the spirit and values of the world. … Worldliness is expressed in attitudes of corruption, deception, abuse of power, and constitutes the most erroneous path … but the easiest to follow. Instead, the spirit of the Gospel requires a sober lifestyle – serious but joyful, full of joy – and challenging, based on honesty, righteousness, respect for others and their dignity, with a sense of duty. This is Christian shrewdness!”

The journey of life “necessarily involves a choice between these two roads. … You cannot oscillate between one and the other, because they move according to different and conflicting logics. … The conclusion of the passage from the Gospel is strong and categorical: ‘No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other’”.

“With this teaching, Jesus exhorts us to choose clearly between Him and the spirit of the world, between the logic of corruption, abuse of power and greed, and that of righteousness, meekness and sharing”, the Pope affirmed. “Some people behave in relation to corruption as they would with drugs: they think they can take it and leave it as they please. They start with something minor: a kickback here, a bribe there … And between this and that they gradually lose their freedom. Corruption too causes dependency, and generates poverty, exploitation and suffering. How many victims of corruption there are in the world today! So many victims of this widespread corruption. However, when we try to follow the logic of the Gospel fully, we become artisans of justice and open up horizons of hope for humanity. In gratuity and in the giving of ourselves to our brothers we serve the right master: God”.