Faithful and prudent servant

Slavery was common in the ancient world. In worst cases, the slaves were treated as chattels, to be sold or abused at their master’s whims.

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In Israel, the elites had servants/ slaves (Greek douloi) who were employed in agriculture, but most often in domestic service.

A slave who shows competence and faithfulness may be assigned as the head servant or slave overseer (Greek oikonomos).

Usually, he is a man hardened by farm work and is tested by experience. In the Gospel parable, the faithful and wise oikonomos has been put in charge of his master's household. This is an image of true discipleship.

A disciple, most especially if he is a leader of a community of believers, must be prudent and dependable in fulfilling his obligation towards believers. He must exercise his duties “at the proper time” (v 45) and not at his own convenience.

At the anniversary of his ordination as bishop, St. Augustine provides a beautiful portrait of pastoral ministry: “Where I’m terrified by what I am for you, I am given comfort by what I am with you.