25th Sunday - Fr. Leo
Our first reading from the prophet Amos, followed by Psalm 113, are words of hope and celebration. The lowly will be lifted up and oppressors will receive their justice. Meaning, how we treat others, matters. The lowly rejoice in this truth and sing; “Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.”
Some of the last will be first and some of the first will be last. The paradox in this is the view from two different vantage points. One, the view of the worldly who seek power in their greed at all cost, and the second to understand riches as taught and modeled by Christ. Love thy neighbor as yourself.
Our second reading from the First Letter of Timothy takes this love of others further. He ask that prayers of supplication, petitions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone. He includes the rich and the poor. As we progress in the spiritual life we live and pray as Jesus lived and prayed, giving our lives for all.
When we see pictures of the sorrowful Christ, there is always a deep sadness in his face. The sadness isn’t for himself. No poor me here. His sadness is for all who do not take his invitation to live in God as he lives in God, especially those most in need, and they may include our oppressors.
We are asked to pray, “Forgive them Father, they know not what they do.” How else will we live in peace and tranquility on this earth? We love our enemy when we pray for them. In time we become one as we are no longer seen as their enemy. The Kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven.
The gospel passage we hear today from Luke ends with the worlds, “You can not serve both God and mammon.” Our life in this world is to be an expression of the Love of God who is beyond this world. We live here with our hearts and minds in heaven. This world reflects the glory of God in every detail. When we live in His presence and ask him to live in us through the Holy Spirit, we become adopted members of the heavenly kingdom. So it follows that the love, beauty and joy of heaven begins here. It is our openness to the Spirit of Christ that makes this real. The Lord is always ready and inspiring us. It is up to us to say yes. To make our choice between God and Mammon.