Amos 6:1,4-7; Psalms 145(146); 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31
The right use of wealth
Dear friends, today is the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings of today address the topic of the rich and the poor. In modern times, the “haves” and the “have-nots” have become the two major social groups in the world. In Ps 24:1, we read, “The earth and all its fullness belong to the Lord; the whole world and all that dwells in it.” It means that there is nothing on earth that belongs to any human being. We are but trustees of God’s creation for the short tenure of our existence in the world. This includes our very lives. Nevertheless, many ignore this fact until the day they die. Do you think that the things you have belong to you? What is the right use of wealth?
Therefore, the question of some having more than they need while others lack enough to live on is only because of greed, selfishness, and unjust systems that favour a few. The general message of today’s reading is that this situation is not God’s plan but is manmade.
In the first reading, the Prophet Amos warns the rich of Zion who live in luxury, ignoring the plight of the poor. Last Sunday, we heard how the rich suppressed the poor by making life too expensive, stealing from them, and buying them as slaves. There is a middle-aged refrain that says: “If you have more than you need, either you or your father is a thief”. The refrain may sound too extreme, but it does no harm to think about it. Are you a champion of inequality in society?
In the Gospel passage, Jesus tells the story of one unnamed rich man who lived in luxury and the poor man named Lazarus (meaning: God helps), who fed himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. The unnamed rich man could be you or me. Whenever this passage is read, we very comfortably identify ourselves with the poor Lazarus, whereas we have everything in common with the rich man. The rich man was not condemned for enjoying his wealth but because he lacked solidarity and generosity toward Lazarus, who was in grave need (sin of omission). Probably, the rich man dismissed Lazarus as lazy and a nuisance. What he did not consider was that the same system that enabled him to become rich probably made Lazarus poor. How did you acquire the wealth you have? What happened that you are poor or struggling in life?
I have heard people say, “All I have is from my sweat, and it belongs to me.” These have the same mentality as the “Rich Fool” in Lk 12, who told his heart to relax because he had all he needed, only to be told he was to die that very night. Again, this parable should not turn into praise for laziness and begging. If you are lazy and die of hunger, do not expect to be taken up to Abraham’s bosom. Unfortunately, some misinterpret the Scriptures, praising and advocating for poverty. Being poor in spirit (Mathew 5: 3) is a different thing altogether. God instructed us to till the land and live on the fruits of our sweat. He blessed the seventh day and set it apart for us to worship Him. God did not command that we spend every day on our knees in worship, begging for miracles to feed ourselves. “He who does not work shall not eat” (2 Thes 3:10).
In the second reading, St. Paul urges us to fight the good fight and earn ourselves a place in heaven. The vocation to life that God has given to all of us is not a passive but an active journey. God has given us different gifts so that, working together in communion, we may build a community where no one has more than he needs while the other lacks basic needs. Do you think that the world has enough for everyone?
“They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them.” This is the reply that Abraham gave to the rich man who was being tormented in hell because of his unkindness to the poor Lazarus. Your legitimate religious leader is your Moses and the prophets of today. It is for your own good that you listen to them. These are the ones who are mandated to interpret the values of the kingdom to us in our times. Jesus will not return to preach again but rather to judge the living and the dead (2 Tim 4:1). We cannot change our choices once we die. The time to change is now. However, watch out for the gospel entrepreneurs who promise quick wealth and prosperity without hard work. These are only chasing their own livelihoods out of your naivety.
Dear friends, as we celebrate the day set aside to worship our Creator, let us reflect on our lives and see if we show solidarity with the needy around us. All we have is God’s gift, and we will leave it all here on Earth when we die.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 