Friends,
Our faith in the Lord calls us to act with justice and integrity at all times. This Sunday’s readings present a stark call to wake up from complacency and comfort so that we may focus our lives on the Lord and respond with compassion and love to the needs of the poor.
In the first reading, the prophet Amos warns all those who revel in fine living and the safety of material things. Theirs is a false sense of security, and they have no care for those less fortunate than them.
In contrast, the Psalm sings of the faithfulness and justice of the Lord, who feeds the hungry, sets prisoners free, heals the wounded, and comforts those who mourn.
The second reading reminds us to center our lives on Christ and be faithful, loving, patient, and gentle.
The Gospel parable echoes the warnings of the prophet Amos, and here the powerful teaching of Jesus tackles head-on the perennial challenge of wealth and poverty. The wisdom of the prophets speaks of an eternal truth that Jesus embodied in his Gospel values, actions, and teaching. Jesus also says as a prophet: for some, the reality of his Gospel and Resurrection will not be enough to let go of their reliance on material wealth and security.
This week, let us pray for each other that we will have the grace and strength to remain centered on Christ. May our prayer life lead us to respond with compassionate action to the needs of our less fortunate sisters and brothers around us.
Joy and peace.
