by Br. Mark Orcutt, O.S.B.

     This Sunday's readings center on the themes of wealth, poverty, and spiritual indifference.  They challenge us to examine our relationship with material possessions and our responsibility to those in need. 

     In our first reading Amos condemns Zion for living in luxury while ignoring the impending destruction of the kingdom.  This is a powerful warning against spiritual apathy and the misuse of wealth.  The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus follows the same theme.  The rich man, who lived in comfort, is condemned not for his wealth itself, but for his failure to recognize and assist Lazarus, who lay at his gate.  This parable serves as a stark reminder that our actions, or inactions, toward the poor and marginalized have eternal consequences.  It points out the abyss between the two men is not only in life but also in death.  The second reading from 1 Timothy compliments the first two readings.  St. Paul encourages us to "pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness."  This reading provides a guide for a life of spiritual wealth, contrasting it with the material wealth that can lead to spiritual poverty.

     This Sunday the Word of God gives us a strong reminder that true wealth is not measured in material possessions but in our capacity for compassion and love.  The rich man in the parable was so preoccupied with his own comfort that he was blind to the suffering right outside his door.  His spiritual poverty was a direct result of his indifference.  We are challenged to ask ourselves: are we like the rich man, comfortably numb to the suffering around us?   Or are we actively working to bridge the gap between ourselves and those in need?  We are called to awaken our hearts and open our eyes to the Lazarus at our gate, whether they are in our family, our community, or across the world.

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