Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, C

            Amos 8: 4-7

            Ps. 113

            I Timothy 2: 1-8

            Luke 16: 1-13

The readings relate on the theme of responsible use of wealth.  In the First Reading, the prophet Amos denounces the rich for their violation of the spirit of the Sabbath, as well as their grasping ways.  In return, he foretells that the softness of the upper echelon will prove no resistance for the invasion from the east.  The Responsorial Psalm contains a vindication of the poor, which connects it to Amos’ prophecy.  The Gospel for today is the parable of the unjust steward, with some sayings about the proper use of wealth.  As the unjust steward has used his intelligence to get out of a difficult situation, we need to use as much intelligence in our use of wealth for the sake of the kingdom.

The Second Reading continues our examination of the First Letter to Timothy.  The author urges Timothy (and us) to pray for the authorities, so that we may have “tranquil lives” to live “in piety and dignity.”  He also underscores that the Christian community prays to God through the “one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.”

This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures:

Hear this, you tramplers of the poor,

The needy, who destroy—

The ones who wish the Sabbath o’er

To cheating ways employ!

The Lord has sworn by Jacob’s pride,

“These evils they have done

I won’t forget; they stay with me

From dawn to set of sun.”

Now Jesus, using parables,

Has taught in language bold

That in our hearts we must decide

What ‘god’ first place shall hold;

For money here competes with God

To master all our ways;

We must decide, must choose the Lord

To follow all our days.

One is the mediator,

The bridge twixt God and man:

Christ Jesus, giv’n as ransom

In heaven’s loving plan.

Through Christ we make our pleading

For all the needs and cares

Of church and state; in His Name

We offer up our prayers.

            76.76D (in truth, the first two stanzas are 86.86 D, but it still works)

            suggested tune:  Ellacombe