Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the Year, C – September 29, 2019.

Readings: Amos 6:1a,4-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6c-7,8-9a,9bc-10(R.v.1b);

 1 Tim 6:-11-16; Gospel Lk 16:19-31.

Theme: Charity Counts

Introduction

Friends in Christ, the theme of our reflection is: “Charity Counts.” The subject matter is weaved around the gospel narrative wherein Jesus presents the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Our liturgy highlights the fact that charity pays and lack of it “punishes.” Before going into details, it is crucial to understand what a parable is. We are told that parables are short allegorical stories meant to drive moral lessons. The Penny Catechism conceives it as “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” Jesus often used parables to stimulate the deepest thoughts and contemplations of his audience. He avoided using the literal means because some people in the audience would have claimed he was attacking them and could resort to violence. We shall highlight the background of the readings in order to derive the required pastoral application.  

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Amos 6:1a,4-7) the Prophet Amos reveals that God would exile the sons and daughters of Israel who lie on ivory beds, sprawl on divans, dine on lambs for the flock and fattened veal; invent new instruments for music like David, drink finest wine and anoint themselves with finest oil but forget the plight of Joseph. The reading which prefigures the gospel narrative presents a case for negligence of gentle nations by the chosen people. 

The second reading (1 Tim 6:-11-16) provides a proviso for being saintly and religious. Saint Paul lists faith, love, patience and gentleness as ingredients for fighting the good faith to the finish. He cites Christ as an example of one who spoke boldly before Pilate to urge the Christian to work without fault until the appearing of the Lord, the immortal and inaccessible light. 

The gospel (Lk 16:19-31) presents us with the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man. It is important to situate the parable in the setting in which Jesus gave it. In this parable, Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who were often notorious for their refusal to deal with him honestly and the truths he told. While the Jewish nation stands for the Rich Man because of the Covenants God established with them (Romans 9:4.), Lazarus symbolized the Gentiles - all those who embrace spiritual poverty. “I will give you as a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6). 

The Jews (the rich man) refused to share their spiritual wealth with the Gentiles (Lazarus) whom they regarded “dogs” who want to be satisfied with the spiritual crumbs falling from their masters’ tables. This is buttressed in the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman. “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.” She responded accordingly: “Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ tables” (Matthew 15:26, 27). The Jews had enjoyed “the good life” while on earth but had done nothing to bless or enrich their neighbours. As such, no further reward was in sight: “Woe unto you that are rich. For you have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full. For you shall hunger” (Luke 6:24, 25). 

Pastoral Lessons

1. Heaven and Hell are Real: In this parable, Jesus teaches that heaven and hell are both real, literal places.

2. Riches Could be Deceptive: The rich man was probably carried away by his wealth, contracts, business meetings, political alignment et al that he neglected the plight of Lazarus who would have been pleased to feed with the dogs but no one gave him a chance. Indeed, riches could be deceptive (Mark 4:19).

3. No Repentance after Death: The story illustrates that once we die, there is no more chance for repentance as evident in Abraham turning down the rich man’s request for a drop of water.

4. Embrace Poverty of the Spirit: The story teaches that the poor in spirit, symbolized by Lazarus, would inherit the kingdom of heaven while the Gentiles who hungered and thirsted after righteousness would be filled - The “dogs” and sinners, so despised by the self-righteous Pharisees, would enter heaven ahead of them: “Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you” (Matthew 21:31).

5. Avoid Hypocrisy: Jesus was trying to remind the Pharisees of their hypocrisy as evident in the rich man begging for his brethren to be warned so as not to sharing his fate - Even though he raised Lazarus from the dead, the brothers of the “rich man” (the Pharisees) did not repent; rather, they even plotted to kill Lazarus after he was raised to life – therefore, avoid hypocrisy. 

6. Be Faithful Stewards: Since Jesus was referring to the unfaithfulness of the Jews regarding their assigned responsibility as stewards of the special message of truth who were supposed to share it with the Gentiles, who were eager to hear it, we are urged to be faithful stewards who share our gift and talents with others.

7. Do Not Hoard Your Riches: The gospel suggests that if we hoard our riches like the Jews of old, we would become self-righteous and corrupt.

8. Be Sincere in Loving God: God was sincere with us as evident in: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16) – In the same manner, we are called to always love God in all sincerity. 

9. Do Not Be Indifferent to the Plight of the Poor: The rich man was punished because he was indifferent to the plight of Lazarus – Therefore, we are challenged  to show love, sympathy, empathy and compassion to the poorest of the poor like the sick, aged, imprisoned, displaced persons and other vulnerable groups bearing in mind that God loves the poor and is offended when they are neglected (Cf. Proverbs 17:5; 22:9, 22-23; 29:7; 31:8-9).

10. God’s Word Has Power to Transform Souls: The response of Abraham in verses 29 and 31 which makes reference to “Moses and the Prophets” (Scripture) gives us leverage to use the revealed Word of God for admonition, correction and reproof because it has the power to transform unbelief to unwavering faith (Cf. Hebrew 4:12; James 1:18 &1 Peter 1:23). 

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. In the first reading the Prophet Amos reveals that God would exile the sons and daughters of Israel who lie on ivory beds…but forget the plight of Joseph.

2. The second reading provides a proviso for being saintly and religious.

3. Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who were often notorious for their refusal to deal with him honestly and the truths he told.

4. While the Jewish nation stands for the Rich Man because of the Covenants God established with them (Romans 9:4.), Lazarus symbolized the Gentiles who embraced spiritual poverty (Isaiah 49:6).

5. The Jews (the rich man) refused to share their spiritual wealth with the Gentiles (Lazarus) whom they regarded “dogs.”

Conclusion

Our liturgy challenges us to embrace an active, loving service to God and neighbour. That means that our relationship with Christ should be reflected in our relationship with others. Only then will our faith-experience unlimited growth. stronger and meaningful. From the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man, understand that “Charity Counts” if not here, in the next – Have a fabulous week ahead!