26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Amos 6:1.4-7
Psalm 145
1Timothy 6:11-16
Luke 16:19-31

THE PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR

Today’s readings continue the themes of last Sunday, namely wealth, social justice and the preferential option of the poor. They warn us against complacency (first reading) and invite us to be more sensitive and concerned about the miseries and sufferings of others (gospel). For once we fall into the trap of the love of money, we become blind, selfish, and our hearts closed to others and to God. Thus, St Paul admonishes us to strive for righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness, and above all faith, hope and charity (second reading).

In fact, the parable of the rich man and the poor Lazarus illustrates the sharp contrast between the two groups that have characterized our human society throughout the ages. On one pole are the “haves” that is the wealthy, the influential people, those who live in abundance, luxury, complacency; and on the other pole, the “have-nots” including the poor, the marginalized, the vulnerable, the needy, the weak, etc.  As such, “a great chasm” (gap, abyss) is created between the rich and the poor.

Again, in the parable we notice a striking reversal of fates and status after death. Lazarus is “comforted” in the bosom of Abraham and the rich man is tormented in the flames. However, this does not mean that the poor will automatically go to paradise while the rich are automatically destined to eternal damnation. The rich in the parable does not suffer torment in the flames because he was rich, but because he was indifferent to the misery of the poor Lazarus who was lying at his door.

It is noteworthy that the rich man is without a name (anonymous), but the poor is named “Lazarus” which means “God has helped”. This rich man represents therefore each one of us. Often we become blind to the misery of others and deaf to the cry of the needy.  But God does not abandon the poor and the oppressed, but he cares for them and rewards those who trust in him (the responsorial psalm). Therefore, this parable invites each of us to care for the poor and to share the “little” we have with them. Small gestures of attention and concern for one’s neighbour are of great importance.

Let us remembers the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you do for one of these least brothers of mine, you do for me” (Matt. 25:40). May the Lord grant us the grace to recognize him in the poor, the sick, the sufferer and the needy of our communities. Amen