CONTRIBUTED BY FATHER PAUL S. VOISIN, C.R.
Father Paul is a Waterloo native, was ordained to the priesthood as a Resurrectionist on May 14, 1977. He has served in pastoral ministry in Kitchener and Brantford, Ontario, education and pastoral ministry in La Paz, and formation and pastoral ministry in Cochabamba, Bolivia. He served as Provincial Superior of the Ontario-Kentucky Province from 2005 to 2008. He is presently the Vicar General of the Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda, and Rector of St. Theresa’s Cathedral.
Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time
September 25, 2016
GATHERING TIME
Introduction to the Word:
I once heard a story about a Pastor assigned to a new Evangelical Parish in the southern United States. The first Sunday (at which time he would be presented in the worship service), he decided to go as a homeless person. He didn't shave for a few weeks, dressed in dirty clothes, and appeared disheveled. He came into the church about thirty minutes early. He went and sat near the front, and was asked by an usher to please move to the back of the church. Most people stared or gave him dirty looks. Only three people of the many thousands greeted him. As they began the service one of the elders announced that their new Pastorwas supposed to be here, but he had not arrived. At that moment,the Pastor got up from his seat, came forward to the sanctuary and introduced himself. Everyone was shocked. He shared his experience among them that morning, and some cried, and many bowed their heads in shame. He said to them, "Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will you decide to become disciples?" Then he dismissed the congregation until the next Sunday.
WOW! I bet you could have heard a pin drop when that pastor got up in the pulpit! How easily, in our human condition (=sinfulness), we can judge others by their appearance, either being attracted or repulsed. Such was the experience of their pastor that day, and he gave them all a lesson in charity—acharity that manifests itself in hospitality, solidarity and compassion.
We dramatically see the absence of these same virtues in the rich man in the gospel. He was living the good life, and someone like Lazarus did not exist in 'his' world. Lazarus was a non-person in his mind, and in his society. Over the centuries this same human condition still exists! The lack of charity, as expressed in the lack of hospitality, solidarity and compassion, is still 'alive and well'. Even as committed Christians, we have failed to reflect this charity at times to others, in particular those most in need of our charity. It is easy to reach out to those who love us, to those who can pay back any favour, or those who are attractive to our way of thinking (and judging).
Warm-up Activity
This story was a wake-up call to a Christian congregation. We, too, need a wake-up call, as we share this human condition, and at times may also fail to show charity that proclaims we belong to Jesus Christ.
Reflect on an occasion when you judged someone – onfirst impression, by what they said, or did, or their demeanor, their clothing, or their physical appearance – andlater found that you were wrong. How did you feel? What did you do to 'right the wrong'?
Reflect on an occasion when you felt judged by someone – forthe same superficial criteria. How did you feel? Did the other person 'right the wrong'?
The Table of the Word
One of my favourite words is 'compassion'. Many years ago I heard that the meaning of this word is 'to suffer with'. What a profound word indeed! In our world it is not easy to be compassionate. Jesus revealed compassion to us so often in his ministry. The word is found in Sacred Scripture, thirty-two times in the Old Testament, and six in the New Testament - Matthew 20:34, Luke 6:36, Luke 10:37, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 2:1, and James 5:11. If you look them up (as I did) you will find that, depending onthe translation, you may find the word 'pity' or 'mercy' instead of 'compassion'. I am not a student of language, but for me 'pity' conjures up an idea of feeling sorry for someone, but not doing anything about it - like passing the beggar on the street. 'Mercy', in the midst of this 'Year of Mercy', carries, for me, the image of being surprised by a loving response, and perhaps even to feel unworthy of the forgiveness given.
The rich man in the gospel showed no compassion to Lazarus. He not only did not 'suffer with him', he did not even acknowledge his suffering, let alone lift a finger to help him. In his torment, and seeing Lazarus at the side of Abraham, he realized (too late) the wrong decisions he had made, his lack of charity, his selfishness and the misguided priorities that he had pursued. The parable does not condemn the rich man because he was rich, but because his wealth, success, possessions and status removed him from the lives of others. He also did not need God, since he was a 'self-made' man. He saw people as a commodity, not as someone with feelings, needs, sorrows and joys. He had no time for anyone like Lazarus, who he thought perhaps 'deserved' his plight and his suffering. Even the scraps from his table were too good for the likes of Lazarus. The poor are not 'off the hook' either, as their poverty can just as easily douse any fire of charity in their heart, while others (like Lazarus) are sensitive, generous and 'compassionate' with others. I cannot count the times, while working in Bolivia, that I saw 'the poor' live out these two responses - some sharing the little they had and being a source of strength and hope for others, while others oppressed and took advantage of those who shared their plight and suffering.
In our human condition, sometimes we do not want to 'suffer with' others either. We can too easily 'turn off' the family member or friend who 'goes on too much' about their problems. We stay away from those who are ill, dying, mourning, unemployed, and going through 'a hard time'. They are a 'Debbie Downer' (if you ever watched 'Saturday Night Live')! We want to associate with those who are 'on the top of the world', living 'the good life', and filled with success stories, smiles and laughter. I am sure that was what the rich young man in the parable was like. It is not easy to be compassionate, to put ourselves into the shoes of the other person who sits before us and shares their sadness, worry, confusion, fear and doubt. We cannot take it away by the wave of a magic wand. We may not find the words easily. Sometimes we may resonate with some of their situation, and can share how we survived, how we overcame the situation, how we were made whole again. Other times we may only be ableto show our compassion in our physical presence, our embrace, and assuring them that we are with them. That taste of compassion brings us a whole new vision of reality, of ourselves, and of others. Our eyes and ears are open, and our heart aches as we 'suffer with' the other person. At the same time, our faith, hope and love emerge to soothe the wounds, illuminate the confusion, and heal the broken mind, heart and spirit.
Penitential Rite:
The Lord is our source of model of compassion in a world in so much need of compassion.
Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we have failed to show charity and compassion to our brothers and sisters Lord, have mercy
Christ Jesus, help us to open our ears, minds and hearts to listen to the needs of our brothers and sisters Christ, have mercy
Lord Jesus, give us the wisdom and courage to respond in compassion to our brothers and sisters in need Lord, have mercy
Let us pray:
Oh God, who manifest your almighty power
above all by showing compassion and mercy,
bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us,
and make those hastening to attain your promises
heirs to the treasures of heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION TIME
(As Christians we believe that the WORD of God we hear proclaimed each Sunday is an empowering Word, and that God is present in the Word proclaimed. This is the Word that God wants us to hear today. The dynamic of the Small Christian Community, namely, reflecting on our life story within the context of this Word, and sharing the insights of these reflections, is such that God’s Spirit becomes present, and the gifts of the Spirit are experienced as empowering and life-giving.)
FIRST READING: (Amos 6:1a, 4-7)
Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall! Improvising to the music of the harp, like David, they devise their own accompaniment. They drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils; yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph! Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wonton revelry shall be done away with.
The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING: (1 Timothy 6:11-16)
But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession, to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.
The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL: (Luke 16:19-31)
Jesus said to the Pharisees: "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, "Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames." Abraham replied, "My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours." He said, "Then I beg you, father, send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment." But Abraham replied, "They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them." He said, "Oh, no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent." Then Abraham said, "If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead."
The Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
(Allow 5-10 ten minutes for quiet and for a brief reflection on a meaningful word or thought.)
COMMENTARY:
The Book of the Prophet Amos introduces us to harsh criticism of the wealthy, complacent and self-righteous. Luxury (despite what Joel Osteen says) is not to be sought after, but rather the just distribution of wealth among all, as faithful stewards. The images in the reading - "beds of ivory" "drink wine from bowls" and "the best oils" - speak to us of excess, waste and opulence. God leaves no doubt that they will be the "first to go into exile", the first to experience his wrath and condemnation.I find particularly interesting the reference to anointing, asusually in the Old and New Testaments this is an act that brings about the blessing of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and is under God's inspiration. To anoint oneself is definitely outside this frame of reference, and thus outside the grace of God.
St. Paul, in his Letter to Timothy, is calling all the baptized to live fully the life that God asks of us, and blesses us to fulfill in his name. What we are called to embrace is definitely not what we see in the First Reading. There are no hints of righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness in that time and place. St. Paul makes it very clear that the inheritance we have received from Jesus Christ is to bear witness to him as King and Lord. This challenge continues today, to embrace a life that bears witness to the gospel. This is what it means to be a Christian.
Jesus has risen from the dead. He has been revealed to us as the Son of God, but still we do not always listen to him. We do notalways open ourselves to his saving grace and allow ourselves to be transformed. The rich man was a child of Abraham, united to God through the blood of the lamb. Yet he was closed to the true message of the Law (Moses) and Prophets, lacking in charity and faithfulness to God. We too, as children of God, are united to God through the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Yet, in our human condition, we sometimes fail to reflect that charity and faithfulness to God. We fail to bear witness to Christ. Once again, the theme of compassion speaks to me in a special way through this gospel. The rich man was oblivious to anyone or anything outside of his immediate family and his business. Lazarus was a 'nobody' to him, not even recognizing his plight and how easily he could have alleviated his suffering. His heart was hardened to the needs of others, even those who lingered outside his property. He could have easily tripped over Lazarus when leaving his house, but he was blind to Lazarus. Like in the gospel of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46) Jesus is calling us to be conscious and compassionate to the needs of others. The 'goats', like the rich man, were blind to the needs of others, and showed no compassion. If we truly listen to he who has "risen from the dead" our lives will be marked with exceptional charity, and sincere compassion. The words of Jesus leave no doubt that here and now is the time to make a change. We cannot plead 'after the fact' and think we can cross that chasm to eternal life. We cannot change from a goat to a lamb just by wishing it.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
1.(Amos 6:1, 4-7)"they shall be the first to go into exile"
Through the prophet Amos God spoke harshly to those who were not bearing witness to the covenant. His words of warning continue today.
a)What are the attitudes of those whom God is criticizing?
b) How are they in relation to the kingdom and the covenant?
c)In our time and place, what warnings are directed to us?
2.(1 Timothy 6:11-16)"to keep the commandment without stain or reproach"
St. Paul presents us with the goal to strive for in our life with Christ.
a)How do we identify with righteousness, … devotion, … faith, … love, ... patience, … and gentleness?
b)Arewe aware of being "called" to eternal life?
c)As Jesus gave testimony, how do we give testimony?
3.(Luke 16:19-31)" you received what was good during your lifetime"
The rich man had been blessed, and (according to appearances) Lazarus had been forsaken.
a)What was the regret of the rich man as he was in torment?
b)How could compassion have been expressed by the rich man during his life?
c)What words would you have to the five brothers?
CARING - PRAYING TIME
1. Word for the Week:"the Lord is compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11)