26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C Theme: Christian use wealth.
1st Reading Amos 6:1a,4-7 Amos warns the self-indulgent against their false sense of security.
2nd Reading 1 Tim 6:11-16 Timothy is exhorted on the sublimity of his vocation.
Gospel Luke 16:19-31 Parable of Dives and Lazarus.
Today the 26th Sunday gives us an opportunity to meditate on the progress we have made as human beings.
We are Christians. Who live in this world.
We are various types of works in the society.
We are affected by developments.
Natural calamities.
The politics of the country makes us aware of the type of society that is formed by certain political decisions.
Some times we become prey to the advertisements which are against our faith, we are in a dilemma because these are couched in honey but are sinful.
We participate in the progress of the country, some times at the detriment of weaker section of the people, who are deprived of their rights by powerful by manipulation.
We also see the many evils that are part and parcel of the countries progress. E.g globalization, secularization etc.,
Where some live in great comfort, where as some live in abject poverty.
There are social activist who struggle for justice peace and righteousness.
But just equality is far in coming.
We see so much poverty in India.
People living in sub-human situations on foot paths, on plat forms, side walks, in the open spaces where large buildings are built, where the children of the poor wallow in the mud and dirt. No one bothers.
There may be some NGO or some religious congregations doing little to eliminate the poverty of these people.
The poverty of poor people is an area where we Christian cannot close our eyes and move on.
We are generous when there are natural tragedies. We do give generously when collections are made. We even volunteer when some one is in need.
This Sunday’s readings challenge each one of us.
To be aware of our mission as Christians, to care for the poor around us.
In the first reading, Amos is warning the rich against their false security, he asks to open their eyes to the reality of time.
Paul in the second reading forewarns Timothy of his vocation to strive to live to the call God has invited him in earnest. This may be a reminder to each of us to be honest with our Christian vocation and live it faithfully.
In the Gospel we heard the oft repeated story of the poor Lazarus and the rich man.
This gives us an inkling of the things that await a person does not bother about the poverty around him.
We are people who live in a time where there is tremendous amount of progress in everything. We have better facilities when we compare our own lives and needs some ten years back.
How do we use this progress?
Do I live as committed Christian missionary?
Or allowing the priests and sisters and lay missionaries to slog, only giving our bit when asked?
Do we consciously come forward to do our missionary task of taking care of our neighbor?
Often we Christians live compromising so many areas of our lives.
Closing our eyes to the challenges of the time.
How do we face the world of today?
Do we realize when God has chosen us as Christians we have a responsibility to be a testimony of truth justice and love?
In becoming aware of our vocation let us try to strive to live it faithfully.
In union with the divine word,
Fr. Juze Vaz svd
