What Are You Doing With What God Has Given You?

Fr. Chris Alar reminds us that the word “prodigal” doesn’t only describe the son who squandered his inheritance—but also the father who lavishly poured out mercy on the undeserving. The real question today is: which one are we imitating?

The parable of the prodigal son is about more than wastefulness—it’s about stewardship. The father represents God, who gives freely and abundantly. The son represents us, who often fail to use His gifts wisely. Yet no matter how much we squander, the Father’s mercy is greater still. As Fr. Chris explains, the term steward means that nothing we have—our time, treasure, or talent—actually belongs to us. Even our children, our opportunities, and our freedoms are entrusted to us for God’s glory.

So we must ask ourselves: are we wasting what God has given us, or investing it in eternity? Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). The measure of a faithful steward isn’t found in how much we keep, but how well we use what we’ve received. Like the steward in today’s Gospel, we will one day give an account of how we’ve managed the blessings of God’s mercy.

Let us be “prodigal” in the right way—lavish in forgiveness, generous in charity, and faithful in gratitude. Everything we possess is meant to be used for His Kingdom, not our own comfort.

Learn more about the meaning of stewardship and grace in Fr. Chris Alar’s new book Understanding the Sacraments, available at ShopMercy.org. Visit the link in our bio to grow in your devotion to Divine Mercy and discover how to pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

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