“Make hay while the sun shines.”

09-25-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

Praise the Lord! On this twenty sixth Sunday, all the readings point to the final end of the unjust, the triumph and comfort of the poor and just.

In the first reading, the prophet Amos continues his treaty against the rich and influential of the society who oppress the weak and the poor. He pronounces God’s judgment on those who derive their joy and comfort from the miseries of the poor and the weak. This comfort will soon disappear as snow disappears,

In today’s gospel reading of today, Jesus tells a parable of the reversal of fortunes between the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the life of a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, who lives in the shadow of the rich man and his wealth. When both die, Lazarus finds himself in heaven; the rich man in the netherworld. The rich man asks for assistance from Lazarus in his torment. But Abraham reminds the rich man of the good things he had in his life and describes the current situation as a reversal of fortunes. The rich man then asks that Lazarus be sent to warn his family, but this is denied with the reminder that Moses and the prophets have warned of judgment for those who neglect the care of the poor. The story of the rich man and Lazarus demonstrates the importance of the care of the poor and is a reminder to those who would follow Jesus of the unimportance of wealth in the eyes of God.

A very important lesson from today’s gospel could therefore be captured in this popular adage: “Make hay while the sun shines.” In other words, we must pay heed to the instructions of the good news of salvation while there is still ample opportunity for us to do so. Excessive comfort, and display of affluence here on earth which does not impart positively on the life of others especially the poor, will not profit us much at the end of time. Those who show mercy to the poor, the weak, and the just would be accepted into the eternal kingdom. Have a happy and blessed Sunday.

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