GIVING LIFE AND DIGNITY TO HUMANITY

Prof./Evangel. Michael Howard, MACS

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"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." (Lk. 16:19-31)

While one part of humanity lives in opulence, another part sees its own dignity denied, scorned or trampled upon, and its fundamental rights discarded or violated.' What does this tell us about the equality of rights grounded in innate human dignity?" (Pope Francis, On Fraternity and Social Friendship [Fratelli Tutti], no. 22) 

Pope Francis truly captured the essence of today’s readings. Our first reading comes from the Prophet Amos. Amos was a prophet who recognized that his calling was not about making money. He told King Amaziah, "I am not a prophet, nor do I belong to a company of prophets. I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamores, but the Lord took me from following the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel'" (Amos 7:14-15).

King Amaziah resented the straightforward words of Amos, who spoke harshly about his extravagant lifestyle. Amos declared, "Woe to the complacent in Zion! They lie on beds of ivory, lounging comfortably on their couches, feasting on lambs taken from the flock and calves from the stall!" King Amaziah was living in opulence, indulging in lavishness, drinking wine from bowls, and anointing himself with the finest oils. This excess led both him and Israel to complacency. Amaziah and the people of Israel were blind to the suffering around them; they failed to recognize how their privileged lifestyle negatively affected those without resources, and they showed no empathy for those collapsing in the streets. Amos lamented, "they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph!"

Interestingly, we observe a similar behavior in Luke's parable about Lazarus and the rich man. The parable begins by highlighting the rich man's wealth: "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day." The key phrase in this sentence is "each day." This indicates that the man was so wealthy that he never lacked for clothing or food and was in excellent health.

Luke contrasts a rich man with a poor man named Lazarus. He describes Lazarus as "covered with sores" and says he would have gladly eaten the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Both Joseph and Lazarus are figures presented in scripture who have had their dignity denied, scorned, or trampled upon, with their fundamental rights discarded and violated. This situation often begins with complacency, the privileged with blinders.

To achieve "the equality of rights grounded in innate human dignity," we must heed Paul's words to Timothy. Paul advises, "But you, O man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Strive earnestly for the faith. Take 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."

Dear Church, today we must heed the words of the prophet Amos, who declared, "Woe to the complacent in Zion." It is essential for us to lead virtuous lives, support all individuals, advocate for equal rights, help prevent our brothers and sisters from suffering due to poor medical practices, and care for those in need, like the Lazaruses of the world. When we align ourselves with God and work to heal the land, we pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. We will be giving life and dignity to humanity.

"Blessed is he who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free" (Ps. 147:7).

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