WORDS FROM FATHER YOHANES: Human Beings Are Stewards, Not Owners

By Father Yohanes Akoit

On the streets of cities, from Jakarta (Indonesia) to London (England), from Kathmandu (Nepal) to Dili (East Timor), and even France, people rise to demand justice. The protesters are angered to see their leaders live luxurious lives. They use wealth and power for personal gain. Meanwhile, the people struggle with the hardships of daily life. This phenomenon reminds us that possessions and positions are not absolute rights. They are a trust that must be managed with heart and responsibility, for the good of all. Thomas Aquinas emphasized this centuries ago. He said, “Humans are not absolute owners (Dominus Absolutus), but stewards (Oikonomus).”  This reminds us to reflect on the role of a steward. Oikonomus means steward, household manager, economist, or even wife. Stewards are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the property of their master. Their role is to use and arrange resources, but they are not the owners. Human beings are merely stewards within God’s divine order. So, based on this understanding, we can say that every possession and every position we hold should be used as a tool to promote goodness and uphold justice. Misuse is not only a moral failure. But it is also a genuine cause of social harm.

A similar lesson can be drawn from the parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1–13. Although he was accused of squandering his master's property, he recognized the gravity of the situation. He took action to resolve it. As a result, his master praised him for acting wisely. Jesus uses this parable to challenge His disciples. He wants to show them that if worldly people can be so strategic in securing their future (even through dishonest means), then why are the children of light often slow, careless, or unwise in pursuing what is eternal? The steward is praised because he understands that wealth is not an end, but only a means. That is why he uses it (as a means) to secure his future.

Learning from today’s world phenomena and the gospel inspiration, we are awakening to always echo in our conscience the nature of our being. We are only the stewards. Our existence and its dynamic must be based on this stewardship nature. This orientation does not always deal with finance and property. But after all it is about life management. We are called to cultivate the virtue of managerial capability to maintain our own life: a life that is planned, organized, and regularly evaluated with full awareness. Therefore, cultivating the virtue of stewardship goes far beyond managing money. It is the art of organizing life. Those who practice wise self-management foster personal harmony and strengthen social order. As more people live with intention, selfishness fades, conflicts soften, and justice quietly reemerges. Self-management, then, becomes a shared virtue - one worth cultivating by all.

In living as faithful stewards, we take part in shaping a world that is just, compassionate, and aligned with God’s will. True stewardship is not a one-time act, but a lifelong process. And the most sacred place to nurture this virtue is within our own home. Because in family, there is no single owner. Each member shares responsibility and blessing. So, the best way to sustain family life is through mutual service. When each person understands their role and contribution, harmony begins to flourish. Even if family members have different jobs outside, when they come home, they should care for each other’s joy, health and the responsibility to maintain the house. And if we bring this caring attitude into the world, it will quietly guide everything we do. We become living examples of grace, purpose, and love. This value should be taught to children from the very beginning. As they grow, the character they learn at home will shape how they treat others and help improve the place where they live.

Father Yohanes Akoit is pastor of St. Julian and St. Anthony Catholic churches in Kentucky.