The Unjust Steward

The unjust steward is just like us: unjust, having squandered his master's goods, called to account, told that he is being put out of the stewardship. So let us learn from him, and say, "I cannot dig," that is, I cannot work my way out of this mess, and "to beg I am ashamed,"  that is, even my own plea for mercy is in itself useless and will not avail me; but consider: he depended upon another transaction. So let us depend upon the transaction whereby Christ offered himself to the Father for atonement. And so shall we, like him, have our Lord's approbation and commendation. For in receiving Christ we receive a gracious God. Cleave to Christ and you gain all good things eternally by this heavenly commerce. Sermon for Trinity IX.