Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, C

            Amos 6: 1,4-7

            Ps. 146

            I Timothy 6: 11-16

            Luke 16: 19-31

The readings connect on the subject of social inequity.  The First Reading, again this week from the book of the prophet Amos, denounces the luxurious living of the upper class in Jerusalem.  The Responsorial Psalm echoes the judgment of the rich from the First Reading, as well announces God’s care for the oppressed, the hungry, and the captive.  The Gospel presents the parable of the rich man (Dives, in Latin) and Lazarus, underlining the concept that riches are given for sharing, not for hoarding or for personal excess.  It should be noted, however, that Jesus is using the parable also to stress that even the return of one from the dead (in this case, His own resurrection) will not convince the people who are not listening to the teaching of Scripture.  In reference to this, St. John Chrysostom adjures his listeners, “I ask you and I beseech you, and, falling at your feet, I beg you:  as long as we enjoy life, let us repent, let us be converted, let us become better, so that we will not have to lament uselessly like that rich man when we die, when tears can do us no good.  For even if you have a father or a son or a friend or anyone else who might have influence with God, no one will be able to set you free, for your own deeds condemn you.”  Homilia in I Corinthianos

The Second Reading continues our examination of First Timothy.  Today’s pericope feels like the “charge” that is given at an ordination—when the person being ordained has things put into perspective by the person who is ordaining him.  The relationship between Baptism and ordination is very clear in this reading.

This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures:

Woe to those complacent wealthy,

Those who choose to take their ease

But ignore the needs of Zion,

Doing only as they please!

Therefore they will go to exile,

Seeing riches dragged away

By their enemies, who vanquish

Zion’s bulwarks on that day.

Riches, Jesus said, are given

That we share with those in need.

Those who scorn the poor and lowly

Serve, not God, but only greed.

Since the rich man, once so favored,

Suffered endless grief and pain.

Let us share the wealth we’re given,

Striving blessings there to gain.

Till Christ Jesus comes in glory,

Lord of lords and King of kings,

Fight the fight of faith with fervor,

In the light His glory brings.

Seek integrity, steadfastness;

Take firm hold on endless life

Which had claimed you at your baptism;

Faithful bide in midst of strife!

            87.87.D

            suggested tune:  In Babilone