19.09.2004 25th Sunday Ordinary Season - Year C
First Reading: Amos 8, 4-7 Psalm 112
Second Reading: I Timothy 2, 1-8 Gospel Reading: Luke 16,1-13
Yet another teaching on the subject of wealth. Is Jesus exaggerating? If we
look around us today, we can see the damage and suffering caused by the greed
for wealth. This greed ruins not only relations with close relatives, but also
social and international relations. Such injustice is committed and whoever
commits it cannot hide it from anyone but himself! We cannot, therefore, consider
Jesus' continued reference to it exaggerated.
The first reading is from the prophet Amos. He was born poor and had a very
humble, job: he gathered the droppings of animals at pasture! God always chooses
the poorest and most despised so that in their words His greatness and wisdom
may shine out. And so God uses His young prophet to talk to the rich and in
particular to those involved in fraud and deception in commerce to become rich
at the expense of the poor. God promises never to forget their deeds.
Jesus uses a parable to teach us how to use possible riches we might come to
possess so that they will not cause harm for eternity and that could even serve
for our salvation.
An administrator takes over what he was supposed to administrate: so the owner
dismisses him. He is left without a job. To survive he must become a manual
labourer and he isn't used to it. Should he beg? That would be shameful! He
has a little time left and he uses it well and while still possible he gives
part of the owners goods to people who were indebted to him. They would be grateful
to him all their lives and this would guarantee his future. He used his authority
and his dishonesty with great care.
Jesus was thinking of his disciples: if only they were as ready to think of
the future and to take courageous steps that would last in eternity! He cannot
but praise the foresight of the man in guaranteeing himself a future in this
world: he wishes men were just as committed for the Kingdom of God! If his disciples,
who were children of the light, were as resolute, ready and courageous in taking
decisions necessary for eternal life! They would also use money differently.
It would not become their master. He calls it "unrighteous mammon":
men use it as security or as a guarantee, and they use it as if it were to belong
to them forever. But one day that money will no longer be there; it will not
follow us when we pass the confines of time. And we will feel the deception,
and if we consider money so important , it will modify our relationship with
God and with other men! We will not be able to be children of God or brothers
of men.
A close relationship with money deprives us of the Holy Spirit. It is, therefore,
an "unrighteous" wealth for it distorts and destroys our relationship
with God and our brothers.
The administrator reduced large debts in a dishonest way to guarantee himself
friendship on this earth. Will I be able to earn honestly, with the money I
have, friendship in the Kingdom of Heaven? The poor will certainly be received,
for God is their friend, the friend of the oppressed, of orphans and of widows!
If these poor people become my debtors, they will intercede for me and I will
be received by God! I will uses my wealth to love and serve the poor!
Jesus continued with his teaching. It is of no importance how much money a man
possesses, nor can it be possessed indefinitely, just for a short time. It does
not belong to us, it is only ours to administer. If I am faithful and use the
goods and riches of the earth to love the poor, I will be given greater tasks
that will bring divine life to men and service in the Church! If I can detach
myself from money, make it a gift of love to the poor, it will become my instrument
of eternal salvation and I will be saved.