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26th Sunday Year C
Amos 6:1, 4-7; 1 Tim 6: 11-16;
Luke 16: 19-31 |
If we truly believe St Paul’s reminder that “the word of God is alive and active”, then we can approach today’s readings with a sincere search for God’s message to us in today’s Scripture.
What do I need to hear and heed?
The devastating floods in Pakistan have highlighted for us the plight of millions of homeless, hungry and impoverished families who are vulnerable and needy. In our world there are very rich people and there are the very poor and we, who can read and write and enjoy three meals a day, face an enormous challenge.
In last week’s Old Testament reading the prophet Amos condemned those who “fixed their scales for cheating” and “trampled upon the needy”. Today we hear how Amos highlights the blindness of those whose luxurious lifestyle has made them self-satisfied, complacent and impervious to the sufferings of their own poorer compatriots in northern Israel. Their wanton revelry may be a sin of greed, but worse still is their sin of omission - ignoring the sacred commands of the Torah to care for the hungry and those in need. Their profligate ways have made them deaf to the word of God.
Luke’s Gospel has often been called the ‘gospel of the poor’ and today Jesus’ parable is about a rich man, who dressed lavishly and dined sumptuously, while totally ignoring the plight of Lazarus, who was ‘lying at his door’, starving and covered in sores. When death comes to both men, Lazarus is rewarded and the rich man suffers in the torments of the netherworld. The parable makes a great story, but Jesus is warning us that if our hearts and ears are closed then not even the teachings of Moses and the prophets, nor of someone who has risen from the dead , will be heeded.
Today’s Scriptures are not condemning wealth as such. The word of God challenges us to use our worldly goods with a compassionate awareness of the needs of the poor.
Are we influenced by the voices of commercialism or self-interest, rather than the word of God?
Open my heart, Lord, that I may truly hear your voice and heed its message this day.
Denise Sullivan OP
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