26/09/2010 - 26TH. ORDINARY SEASON -
C
1Reading Amos 6, 1.4-7 Psalm 145 2Reading 1 Tim 6, 11-16 Gospel Lk 16, 19-31
We have come to a end of the prayer know as "priestly prayer" that Jesus
did: the priests, in particular, feel encouraged by these words of Jesus. It is
clear that Jesus was not thinking only of them, but all the baptized, all who believe
in him, because he is the savior of the world. We are more than happy because Jesus
prayed for us because we were present in that prayer that night. He asked the Father
to protect us from the evil one, to make use of us for his Kingdom, to make us one
with him and with one another so that our life be an occasion and a push forward
for unbelievers to believe in him. At the end he asked the Father that his same
love be in us: in this way our life and God's life become one. We are glad for this
prayer, but we are to be careful not to go against the contents Jesus expressed
in it. This prayer help us to be contemplatives, to keep an eye on the face and
the heart of our God. Our life should not be an on going tension to avoid sin, but
a living desire to be one with our God, to be like him: he is the source of love,
of a love that keeps on giving even to die. We imitate him as we become like him.
Sin will stay away from us once we are committed to get closer to Jesus, and through
him to the Father. As we read again this prayer of the Lord, we enjoy the fact that
it was fulfilled many times and in many ways. This is what the History of the Church
shows us. The life of many of our brothers and sisters, the saints, is the result
that this prayer was heard by the Father. In my life too I can witness that this
prayer was fulfilled. It's with joy that I get closer to the Lord so that this prayer
continues in others.
The Word of God keeps on warning us about the dangers that our egoism can produce.
Even today, both the prophet Amos and Jesus teach us about the right use of richness
and make us aware of the threat they represent. The word from the 'Magnificat' summarize
very well today's teaching: "He has blessed the hungry, sent away the rich
empty handed". As Mary prays, she summarizes both the biblical and popular
wisdom. Who doesn't understand that the rich are not secured when it comes to sickness
or curses? Who doesn't know that many times the rich does not attract any sympathy
but only hatred?
Amos describes the ways of the rich: they enjoy themselves in partying and perfume,
but are not aware of the low situation of their people and doesn't do anything to
solve it: they will suffer more than any other.
Jesus does not limit himself to highlight the difference between the situation of
the rich and the poor. He helps us to understand the different fate that both received
after they died. Abraham welcomes only the poor, who with extreme poverty endured
"his bad situation". The rich, with no mercy, was not welcomed, because
where Abraham is, only the merciful can be in communion. Who does not see the brother
in need is not in communion with the God of love and mercy. The Lord's teaching
is clear and strong even if it is taught as a parable. Men have eyes and they are
to use them to reflect the light of God, that is the light of love, to see who is
around and to give to others that which they themselves would like to receive if
ever found in such a situation.
Jesus continues the parable with another important teaching. What to do to warn
men, rich in particular, of their dramatic situation? Common sense is not enough
for them? The teachings to overcome egoism, hardness of heart and greed are enough?
Is the miracle necessary to convince the rich to see the sufferings of others and
to help them open their heart? Jesus knows the heart of man, even that of a close
and bad heart. Such a heart won't change even if it see the greatest miracle, not
even if it will see a dead person resurrected after four days. Jesus knows that
even his resurrection shall not open the heart of who is tied up with wealth and
power. All know how to find excuse to continue to enjoy life without loving those
who suffer, without thinking to the weak in need of help: this is someone who only
makes it difficult. The only help that God can give to men are the Scriptures, his
Word, and mostly the Living Word, Jesus his Son, and then all those who follow him
and bring forward his Spirit. St. Paul encourages his disciple to persevere in faith,
because only faith in Jesus can save him and make him a true witness in love and
patience. This is also for us who need to change our society who takes advantage
of the poor peoples, into a welcoming and worthy family of the God of peace.