CARE FOR THE POOR
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (25/09/2022)
(Amos 6:1a, 4-7; Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31)
In our first reading the Lord, through the prophet Amos, takes notice of the lavish lifestyle of the people and curses them for it: “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion.” The Lord also takes offence with them for not caring for others. They are not grieved “ over the ruin of Joseph,” says the Lord. They neglected the misfortunes of the unfortunate among them. , For this reason, the Lord promised to punish them by making sure the first lose their land and the first to go into exile. Our Psalm today praises God who shows justice and mercy to those who suffer and are in need but who is also faithful to the righteous while frustrating the wicked.
Our Gospel reading is a story Jesus told the Pharisees who equated being rich with being righteous. The people of Israel looked at the rich as people blessed by God. According to Jesus however, no one can be his disciple or a faithful believer in God if they do not care for the poor neighbor. Lazarus in this story is a poor man that the rich man does not take notice of. The sin of the rich man was the good he failed to do; he could not care for Lazarus because he did not even care to know he existed. When they both die, Lazarus goes to heaven, to the bosom of Abraham while the rich man goes to hell’s fires, a place of suffering. The rich man begs Abraham to let Lazarus bring him some comfort but Abraham reminds him that their fortunes have changed. On earth, it was the rich man’s portion to enjoy while Lazarus suffered, but in heaven, it is Lazarus’ portion to enjoy while the rich man suffers. In addition, there is a dividing space between them to prevent them from crossing from one side to the other. The rich man begs Abraham that someone from the dead be sent to warn his five brothers on earth but he is told that the teachings of Moses and the prophets are enough warnings. In this way, Jesus was letting the Pharisees remember that the righteousness that Moses and the prophets taught included concern and care for the poor.
Christians must believe and practice the holiness that Jesus teaches. In our second reading Saint Paul tells Timothy to choose a life of holiness: “O Man of God, aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” He also tells Timothy, ‘.. I charge you to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus…” God commands that we actively love and care for the poor among us. May we remember to care for our brothers and sisters who are in need whenever we can. Amen.
