Amos prophesied in the middle of the Eighth Century BC, about 765-755 BC, before the fall of the northern or southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. He is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, besides this prophetic book.
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The first six verses of this chapter have seven groups that fall under the single “woe.” Amos was a prophet full of “woes” for the leaders and merchants of the northern Kingdom of Israel. 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.
The reference to David recalls the image of a shepherd, which was a reference to the civil and religious leaders of the people. Zion referred to Jerusalem or, more specifically, the Temple Mount. The consumption of lambs and calves becomes symbolic of their lack of care for the flock, the people. The “collapse of Joseph” is a reference to the destruction of the northern Kingdom of Israel and their exile by Assyria in 723 BC.
Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
Paul encourages Timothy to stand fast in his belief. He is to persevere, despite the opposition, which he was facing in the local Church. The title, “man of God,” is used in the Greek Old Testament sixty-eight times for such figures as Moses, David, various prophets and even an angel. Even the one, who is called “man of God,” requires assurance and encouragement.
Paul may be referring to Timothy’s baptism as “the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” The reference to Christ Jesus and Pontius Pilate may allude to the profession of faith, which evolved into our creed. In referring to God as the one “who alone has immortality,” Paul speaks against the claims of divinity by the emperor. “Our Lord Jesus Christ” is the “only ruler” in the life of Christians. “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords” are Greek translations of Hebrew expressions to denote the superlative degree: “the greatest king. . .the greatest Lord” (see also Rv 19:16).
There are times when we feel overwhelmed and need encouragement to face a particular exigency of life. Recently, I had to go before the city council to argue for a new sign for the church. We satisfied the ordinance, but the city council turned down our request. I wanted to confront the dissenters by asking the reason for not enforcing the law. I was not looking forward to that encounter. I asked my fellow citizens and parishioners to join me at the council chambers for their next meeting. I was overwhelmed to see about a hundred parishioners standing with me. Not all the parishioners supported our proposal. Indeed, there is nothing that I could do (or not do) that doesn’t meet opposition from some parishioners! But they were there to support me, and that made a great impression upon me. It made an impression upon “the opposition,” too. The proposal was reconsidered. . .and passed. There is strength beyond our own weakness and fear, when we do not stand alone!
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is unique to the Gospel of Luke. In some translations, he is called Dives, which is the Latin word for “rich man.” The name of Lazarus is a shortened form of the Hebrew name Eleazar, which means “God helps.” The story is an illustration of the first beatitude in Luke 6:20. There is a dramatic reversal of fortune. The rich man is unnamed and is separated from Father Abraham. He “died and was buried,” while Lazarus was “carried away by angels.” The rich man failed to “listen to Moses and the prophets.”
The prophets confronted the civil and religious leaders of the nation for failing to observe the demands of the Law. Righteousness comes about by recognizing and acting upon the social responsibility of wealth. There are many other parables in this and the other gospel accounts, which stress the importance of assistance to the needy and considering what one has as a gift from God, even life itself.
Lazarus was the missed opportunity of the rich man to find the true way in life. He did not recognize it, even though it was offered to him “each day” and at the proximity of his doorway. Even the dogs recognized the presence of Lazarus and his sores! The parable is a warning to be alert and ready to accept the way of life that is offered to us, but not forced upon us, as we go about our daily life.
Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.
