Be sensitive to the needs of others

Amos 6:1.4-7, 1 Tim. 6:11-16, Lk. 16:19-31. On this Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church invites us to be sensitive to the needs of others. Different from the notion of the people, poverty was seem as a curse. It was believed to be a result of laziness, idleness and debauchery. In the Wisdom Literature, poverty accompanies a perverse slothful life: “A little sleep, a little drowsiness, a little folding of the arms to rest, poverty will come” (Prov. 24:33-34). A change of perspective arrives with the prophets, when they understood that the assets accumulated by the rich are not always the result of their honest work and the blessing of God, but of cheating and violations of the rights of the most vulnerable. Amos could not stand the sight of these slackers lounging, feasting, organising parties and solacing while the exploited labourers toil in their fields from dawn to dusk for little pay. Amos, a rugged shepherd who used to sleep outside, feels repugnance for these festivities.

Thus, Amos condemned the complacency of the rich of his day who seek only fine things for themselves at the cost of others. In the same way, Paul encouraged Timothy to stay away from the evils promoted by false teachers who were blinded by pride; they do not understand anything; what is worse was that they consider religion as a source of financial gain. Paul enjoined Timothy to cultivate righteousness, devotion to God, faith, love, patience and kindness. This list of virtues was proposed to every Christian especially those who lead the community should meditate on these virtues. The Gospel proclaims the fundamental option for the poor and sensitivity to human misery. The central message of today's Gospel story is about the judgment of God on the distribution of wealth in the world. In no other parable did Jesus assign names to personages, but here, the poor have a name: Lazarus. In this world, only the rich has a name and to whom publicity is given. For Jesus, the rich be anyone while the poor have a very expressive name; he is called Lazarus, which means the Lord helps. The last part of the parable shifts the focus on the five brothers of the rich who continue to live in this world. They run the risk of ruining themselves by misusing the assets. They represent the disciples of the Christian communities who are tempted to attach their hearts to wealth.

May the Lord deal with us according to the bounty of His mercy and our lives here on earth give glory to the name of the Lord! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!