Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Friends,
Today’s readings invite us to consider how we are treating the poor, how we view our own wealth and resources, and how we are pursuing heavenly reward.
In the first reading, the prophet Amos cries out, “Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying on beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches;” rebuking lives of indulgence that are numb to the suffering of others. In the second reading, Saint Paul calls us to be “men of God,” pursuing virtue and “competing well for the faith” so that we might “lay hold of eternal life.” In both of these readings, we are invited to look at ourselves and our priorities: are we complacent and numb, enjoying life’s comforts and closed off to the suffering in the world? Or are we mindful that everything is a gift to be shared, and that our ultimate goal is treasure in Heaven?
The Gospel drives this home through parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lives well, dressed finely and dining sumptuously, while Lazarus suffers in poverty and discomfort on his doorstep. I am by no means rich, but reading this parable I could recall the many times that I’ve walked by someone suffering in poverty on my way to enjoy my life, or the times when I’ve discarded scraps from my table without thinking of those in need. The rich man learns his lesson too late, and while Lazarus receives relief and reward upon his death, the rich man faces suffering and regret. The most chilling moment comes when the rich man begs Abraham to let Lazarus to go warn his brothers so that they can avoid his same sorry fate. To this, Abraham replies that the rich man’s brothers have the teachings of Moses and the prophets, and that if that isn’t enough for them, then “neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.”
Sometimes when this Gospel comes along, I am quick to shake it off and move on from it, thinking, surely I am not rich enough for this to apply to me! But it speaks to all of us. Scripture repeatedly commands us: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, sell what you have, give to the poor. Jesus himself rose from the dead—if his words aren’t enough, what will be?
This is not to induce guilt, but to invite reflection: who are the Lazaruses in my life? How am I rich, and how can I share? What gifts has God given me to give away? Friends, Heaven is real, and it’s worth pursuing with all our hearts! Let us not cling to our earthly treasures; let’s get up from the “comfortable couches of complacency” that Amos warns us about, and let us compete well for the faith so that we may enjoy a radiant eternity with God.
-Jule Coppa, Communications Director
