26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Amos 6:1.4-7

Psalm 145

1Timothy 6:11-16

Luke 16:19-31

THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS 

Today’s readings continue the themes of last Sunday, namely, wealth, social injustice and the preferential option for the poor. They warn against complacency (first reading) and invite us to show concern for the miseries of others, especially the poor (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, we are admonished to strive for righteousness, devotion, patience and gentleness, faith, hope and charity (second reading). 

Indeed, the parable of the rich man and the poor Lazarus illustrates the sharp contrast between the two classes that have characterized our human society throughout the ages. On one pole are the “haves”: the wealthy, those who live in abundance, luxury and complacency. On the other pole, the “have-nots”: the poor, the marginalized, the vulnerable, the needy. As such, “a great chasm” or gap is created between the rich and the poor. 

Again, in the parable we notice a striking reversal of fates 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 man in the parable does not suffer torment because he was rich, but because he was indifferent to the misery of the poor Lazarus who was lying at his door. 

Finally, we note that the rich man is without a name, but the poor is named “Lazarus” which means “God has helped”. This rich man represents therefore each one of us, whenever 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; he cares for them and rewards those who show compassion for their fellows. Therefore, let us cultivate the habit of helping the poor and of showing concern for the miseries of others. For small gestures of attention and concern for one’s neighbour will not go unrewarded. 

Let us remember 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 recognise him in the vulnerable and the needy of our communities. Amen

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Amos 8:4-7

Psalm 112 (113)

1Timothy 2:1-8

Luke 16:1-13

PRAISING DISHONESTY? 

Today’s readings may appear disparate in their themes, but they are interconnected. From the prophet Amos’ preaching against social injustice, we are led through St Paul’s exhortation to pray for those in authority to the appeal of Jesus to make good use of material goods. Indeed, the parable of the crafty steward is one of the most difficult parables in the gospel accounts. This notwithstanding, few points for meditation are worth noting: 

First, the master praises his steward not because of his mismanagement but because of his prudence. Likewise, Jesus invites his disciples to make friends for themselves with dishonest wealth. By so doing, he does not praise the dishonesty of the steward but his skill in dealing with material goods: faced with impending dismissal, he cancelled important debts to win the sympathy and friendship of the debtors. He was clever in his dishonesty. He demonstrated that he regarded money as a means and not as an end. And this is the adequate attitude we should have towards money and material goods.

Second, Jesus describes wealth as "dishonest" because of how it can bring out distorted values in people. In fact, the inordinate pursuit of money can make people selfish, leading them to take advantage of others and to treat others as objects. Money becomes an idol. This parable invites us therefore to be responsible in the management of our resources. Money and our material resources will not accompany us to heaven. Thus, one must recognize their limits and use them for the good of others. Let us remember, if one is trustworthy (faithful) in little things, he could be entrusted with greater things. 

Third, responsible and generous management of money and material goods will bring us closer to the poor, the powerless and the marginalized in our communities, and give them a special attention. And this is what the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church calls “the preferential option of the poor”. Unfortunately, as in the time of the prophet Amos, the poor are exploited and oppressed instead of being cared for. Some political and even religious leaders use their people for their own selfish ambitions; hence, the misappropriation of funds, the widespread corruption and self-serving tax evasion that characterize our institutions. 

As such, each of us is called to change his attitude towards money and wealth, to pray for our leaders so that they may promote peace and social justice. May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Exodus 32:7-11.13-14

Psalm 51

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Luke 15:1-32

LOST BUT FOUND 

Today’s readings present to us the drama of our relationship with God. We are sinners and often get lost through our sinful actions. But God is a merciful, loving and forgiving father. In effect, he relented from his blazing wrath, when Moses pleaded on behalf of the people of Israel who had turned from him by making a golden calf and worshipping it. Thus, he revealed himself to the Israelites as a God who forgives. In the second reading, St Paul expresses his gratitude to the Lord for his wonderful mercy and inexhaustible grace. He acknowledges that he acted ignorantly when he did all he could to persecute the Church of Christ and discredit the Christian faith. But God showed him mercy making him a minister of the Gospel.

The fifteen chapter of Luke’s gospel account has been known as the “gospel of the lost”. It presents three parables of Jesus as a response to the Pharisees and scribes who were accusing him of being in the company of sinners and tax-collectors: the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin and the parable of the lost son (or prodigal son). They give different images of God, but their message is the same: God is a Father who can go to any length to bring the sinner back to a loving relationship with himself. He goes out to look for the lost, for he loves everyone and wants everyone to be at home. That is why he would go out looking for the lost, bring him back home and celebrate his return. 

Thus, one thing is certain: no matter how sinful I am, God still loves me. Though I go wayward and distant myself from him through my choices, he comes looking for me. He forgives me and welcomes me home. None of my sins is greater than his mercy. His outreaching love and unconditional compassion remain unchanging. Nevertheless, I must not take God’s merciful love for granted. The assurance of his mercy, compassion and forgiveness cannot become a “sinning license”. I must always recognize my sinfulness and misery, and seek reconciliation with God through genuine contrition and conversion. May he grant us the grace to celebrate this Sunday Eucharist with grateful heart as a forgiven sinner, as a lost but found. Amen