Amos prophesied in the mid-eighth century B.C. He chided the religious and civil leaders as well as the crooked merchants in the northern Kingdom of Israel before its collapse from inward corruption and the outward military threat of Assyria in 723 B.C. He chides them for enjoying a wealthy and comfortable life at the expense of the general populace, and he upbraids them for their neglect and even abuse of the needy. Justice and the balance of life in society had been overturned. Honesty in the marketplace is still a problem that faces us today.
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Second Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
This letter was addressed to Timothy by Paul to bring a message to the faithful at Ephesus (1 Tm 1:3). It addressed the problem of exclusivism — an attitude that only a select number of people are welcomed to salvation. Paul widened the invitation. “All” and “every” are repeated throughout these verses.
Prayers for “kings and for all in authority” did not remove the ultimate authority of God. The Church was not founded to replace civil authority, so the author could recommend living in social harmony. That did not negate acknowledging the singular role of Jesus Christ. If we are to pray even for those rulers, who oppress us and who consider themselves as having absolute and even divine authority, then how much more should we pray for one another! This was “inclusivism” to the extreme!
Paul repeats the central prayer of Judaism, that “there is one God.” Thus, the role of Christ is “for all.”
There is also an emphasis on the personhood of Jesus, His humanity. It reinforces the teaching that Jesus saved humankind from within, as one like us.
The only use of this particular Greek word for “ransom” in the New Testament occurs here. It represents the cost of freedom for another through payment or substitution. The important point is knowing the source of our freedom from what enslaves us, since we could not obtain it ourselves.
This passage closes with advice for the faithful in prayer. Those who gather for prayer should put aside anger and argument to raise their hearts and minds to the Lord through their worship together.
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13 (short version: Luke 16:10-13)
There is an emphasis in this chapter on human responsibility. The repetition of “steward/stewardship” repeats a Greek word, which is also reflected in the mention of “homes.” Thus, the loss of stewardship also means the loss of a place to live and the loss of familial relationships. The steward practiced the wisdom of reciprocity. He created an exchange with others, which would require that others care for his needs.
For the hearer, it is a challenge to recognize that we are only temporary stewards of the gifts of God. We can use opportunities for more important and lasting relationships, if we respond to the generosity of God rather than hoard what we think is due to us. If this lesson was reversed and we see the generosity of God forgiving our debts, then the faithful who had their debt lessened by the generosity of the Lord would also be obliged by that relationship to respond by providing a presence of the Lord in our own homes.
The second part of the reading brings out the practical lesson of the parable. Ultimately, everyone must choose the value, which will dominate their lives and determine the decisions that they make in practical matters. Jesus challenges His followers to act with a purpose and meaning of life that does not end with death of the body. “Mammon” is another word for “money.” There is an old saying that says, “You cannot take it with you!” It is far more practical to have something that goes with us eternally.
I have some relatives who invested in GM bonds. . . before the fall! They thought that they had the most secure investment possible. Needless to say, those bonds are almost worthless now.
Jesus offers us a far better security of life in the communion of saints for those who imitate the virtues and values that have invited. Who are the happy people in your life, who invested in a way of living that has had a very positive effect in your own? They may know something that we can learn. . .and live.
Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.
