Catholic 756 : Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year C - Sunday, September 22, 2019
First reading Amos 8:4-7.
Responsorial Psalm. Psalm 112:1-2,4-8. Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.
Second reading. 1 Timothy 2:1-8.
Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor. To make you rich out of his poverty.
Gospel. Luke 16:1-13.
First reading Amos 8:4-7.
Responsorial Psalm. Psalm 112:1-2,4-8. Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.
Second reading. 1 Timothy 2:1-8.
Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor. To make you rich out of his poverty.
Gospel. Luke 16:1-13.
Image: By boonchoke. photo ID: 758040853. Licensed by shutterstock. Group of people planning and strategizing.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year C - Sunday, September 22, 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/25c-faith-hope-and-love-ep-178/s-Z2mhK (EPISODE: 178)
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Prologue: this weekend's gospel is a little different and a bit confusing in many ways. I think the best way to clarify it is to see it as Christ teaching us a strong message by way of irony and contrast... It is a bit like this modern-day statement... "when I see all these people out at the sunrise exercising, jogging and working hard to keep fit, I think to myself... that's great, but if only people put the same energy and discipline and training into their spiritual life as they did with the fitness goals and improving their personal best running rate, wonderful things would be done for the Kingdom." Our Lord seems to be saying a similar thing... He sees people spending all their time, effort and craftiness to achieve well in business, finance and work, but if only his followers put the same amount of time, energy and ingenuity into exploring ever more effective ways of living and communicating his gospel.
+++
If only people were as eager and ingenious in their attempt to communicate the life-giving Word of God... and to deepen our love and to build up the values of God's kingdom, as others who use their ingenuity day and night, trying to make money or attain the prizes of this world (which do not last).
Imagine if we were as shrewd, creative and ingenious, even scheming, about the attainment of the treasures of the Kingdom of God - which last forever, as those who chase after temporary, worldly benefits. It would be an astoundingly good world if as much scheming and crafty planning went into the things of the Gospel as they do for get-rich schemes and corporate takeovers and political wrangling.
If only people would give as much attention to the things which concern their souls as they do to the things which concern their business, their fitness and their comfort; they would be able to be such wonderful co-operators in God's work.
This appears to be the powerful message of the gospel this weekend, and it certainly strikes an odd note. It initially appears that Our Lord is praising a dishonest manager. But it is not really that simple. he is praising his shrewdness and imagination in achieving his goals. He is praising his ingenuity, not his dishonesty. It is safe to say that Our Lord had an extremely wary opinion of money, worldly wealth and earthly admiration. But, unlike other religious leaders of the time, he did not teach his followers to remove themselves entirely from general society or distance themselves from ordinary people, business or commerce. However, Jesus also had a disdain for money and material wealth as it was clearly not "of the Kingdom of God," and so tainted by ungodly ambitions. He taught his disciples to be very much "in the world," and engaged with people, but at the same time detached from the things of the world, He also taught them not to put their hopes in money or worldly riches as these would certainly not last.
Luke's Gospel particularly is addressing the powerful, influential and wealthy Gentile people of that time, who were wanting to be good Christian disciples. The short summary of this rather mysterious and intriguing Gospel seems to be: use your influence, your resources, your ingenuity and any earthly advantages, (as unsound and as inadequate, and temporary as these things are, compared to the true and eternal treasures of the Kingdom), to do as much good as you can for the good of all, and for those most in need. Utilise earthly and imperfect resources such as money and worldly influence for the purposes of building up the other-worldly and perfect values of the Kingdom. As flawed as money and material goods are, if one must use them, use them for the good of God's little ones.
Our Lord is addressing the way things were done in business and society back in his time, and it is not so different in this day and age too. He points out the way many people "make friends in order to win favours and influence people to advance their own cause."
For example, they throw great big dinner parties; they do each-other favours; they make friends with and lavish their time and money on people of influence. They give favourable discounts to those whom they wish to make morally indebted to them in return…. This gives them influence, power and prestige….
Jesus points out that the poor, the needy, the disadvantaged and the sinner do not have anything to offer such people, but these are still very dear to God's heart. God wants them to be included back in the "community," and to be "brought in out of the cold." But, of course, the disadvantaged and poor have no way of influencing others… so they are left out of society with no practical way of getting back inside again.
Our Lord points out that the poor do not have the resources to invite others to dinner. (Actually, they only have enough food to feed themselves – if that!). And because they haven't anything to offer, they would be ignored and excluded by the influential; who see nothing to be gained (financially or socially) from the poor. In this unfair system, the sinner and the poor have no way of ever shaking off their past, and the "stranger" does not fit in anywhere. People who cannot benefit others in some material way are unjustly treated as being worthless. So, Jesus is offering a new vision, that starts with their rather "earthly ways of thinking," but then turns it all on its head….
Jesus is saying to his listeners…. IF you want to "get in the good books" of the ones who really count, according to God's values --- If you really want to gain the things that matter, then you need to "ingratiate yourself" with those who are closest to the heart of the King... And so, --- help the poor, show mercy to the sinner, give practical help to the widow, and the orphan and welcome the stranger. Practice true and effective justice. Include those who have nothing to give back ….
++++
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year C - Sunday, September 22, 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/25c-faith-hope-and-love-ep-178/s-Z2mhK (EPISODE: 178)
+++++
Prologue: this weekend's gospel is a little different and a bit confusing in many ways. I think the best way to clarify it is to see it as Christ teaching us a strong message by way of irony and contrast... It is a bit like this modern-day statement... "when I see all these people out at the sunrise exercising, jogging and working hard to keep fit, I think to myself... that's great, but if only people put the same energy and discipline and training into their spiritual life as they did with the fitness goals and improving their personal best running rate, wonderful things would be done for the Kingdom." Our Lord seems to be saying a similar thing... He sees people spending all their time, effort and craftiness to achieve well in business, finance and work, but if only his followers put the same amount of time, energy and ingenuity into exploring ever more effective ways of living and communicating his gospel.
+++
If only people were as eager and ingenious in their attempt to communicate the life-giving Word of God... and to deepen our love and to build up the values of God's kingdom, as others who use their ingenuity day and night, trying to make money or attain the prizes of this world (which do not last).
Imagine if we were as shrewd, creative and ingenious, even scheming, about the attainment of the treasures of the Kingdom of God - which last forever, as those who chase after temporary, worldly benefits. It would be an astoundingly good world if as much scheming and crafty planning went into the things of the Gospel as they do for get-rich schemes and corporate takeovers and political wrangling.
If only people would give as much attention to the things which concern their souls as they do to the things which concern their business, their fitness and their comfort; they would be able to be such wonderful co-operators in God's work.
This appears to be the powerful message of the gospel this weekend, and it certainly strikes an odd note. It initially appears that Our Lord is praising a dishonest manager. But it is not really that simple. he is praising his shrewdness and imagination in achieving his goals. He is praising his ingenuity, not his dishonesty. It is safe to say that Our Lord had an extremely wary opinion of money, worldly wealth and earthly admiration. But, unlike other religious leaders of the time, he did not teach his followers to remove themselves entirely from general society or distance themselves from ordinary people, business or commerce. However, Jesus also had a disdain for money and material wealth as it was clearly not "of the Kingdom of God," and so tainted by ungodly ambitions. He taught his disciples to be very much "in the world," and engaged with people, but at the same time detached from the things of the world, He also taught them not to put their hopes in money or worldly riches as these would certainly not last.
Luke's Gospel particularly is addressing the powerful, influential and wealthy Gentile people of that time, who were wanting to be good Christian disciples. The short summary of this rather mysterious and intriguing Gospel seems to be: use your influence, your resources, your ingenuity and any earthly advantages, (as unsound and as inadequate, and temporary as these things are, compared to the true and eternal treasures of the Kingdom), to do as much good as you can for the good of all, and for those most in need. Utilise earthly and imperfect resources such as money and worldly influence for the purposes of building up the other-worldly and perfect values of the Kingdom. As flawed as money and material goods are, if one must use them, use them for the good of God's little ones.
Our Lord is addressing the way things were done in business and society back in his time, and it is not so different in this day and age too. He points out the way many people "make friends in order to win favours and influence people to advance their own cause."
For example, they throw great big dinner parties; they do each-other favours; they make friends with and lavish their time and money on people of influence. They give favourable discounts to those whom they wish to make morally indebted to them in return…. This gives them influence, power and prestige….
Jesus points out that the poor, the needy, the disadvantaged and the sinner do not have anything to offer such people, but these are still very dear to God's heart. God wants them to be included back in the "community," and to be "brought in out of the cold." But, of course, the disadvantaged and poor have no way of influencing others… so they are left out of society with no practical way of getting back inside again.
Our Lord points out that the poor do not have the resources to invite others to dinner. (Actually, they only have enough food to feed themselves – if that!). And because they haven't anything to offer, they would be ignored and excluded by the influential; who see nothing to be gained (financially or socially) from the poor. In this unfair system, the sinner and the poor have no way of ever shaking off their past, and the "stranger" does not fit in anywhere. People who cannot benefit others in some material way are unjustly treated as being worthless. So, Jesus is offering a new vision, that starts with their rather "earthly ways of thinking," but then turns it all on its head….
Jesus is saying to his listeners…. IF you want to "get in the good books" of the ones who really count, according to God's values --- If you really want to gain the things that matter, then you need to "ingratiate yourself" with those who are closest to the heart of the King... And so, --- help the poor, show mercy to the sinner, give practical help to the widow, and the orphan and welcome the stranger. Practice true and effective justice. Include those who have nothing to give back ….
BECAUSE… God has a very special concern for THEM…. These people will be the first to enter the Kingdom of Heaven… and if we have helped the poor and the powerless, who are dear to God's heart, they will remember our friendship and kindness and vouch for us when we knock at the doors of heaven. They will say to God, "we know this person, they helped us, even though we were considered by the world to be worthless." God will then throw open the doors of Heaven and allow these to enter into the banquet feast. It will be those who did nothing to help God's little ones who will find themselves locked out. For, in the Kingdom, the people of power and influence are the blessed poor, the humble and the lowly. (Our Lord is teaching this to his listeners, not to make them lose hope, but rather to shock them into changing their attitudes and using their many resources for the good of God's Kingdom and not for self-indulgence or exclusion.
Also, the values of Christ are everlasting - they are about becoming an ever-more loving, more compassionate, more generous and reverent person, shown in our care for God's people. And quite irrespective of whether or not they have anything practical to offer us in return. The treasures and awards of this world, are not God's stock-in-trade.
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press
Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.
Image: By boonchoke. photo ID: 758040853. Licensed by Shutterstock. Group of people planning and strategizing.
+++
Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love, A time of Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
[{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]
Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).
{ "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011, Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski
Featuring the….Gloria, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms: http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/ ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/
"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn: Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.
For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us at paulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources.
May God bless and keep you.
Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year C
(Sunday, September 22, 2019)
(EPISODE: 178 )
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++
{{Good wishes to you all.}}
Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// You come in word and in sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//You will come again in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sundays Ordinary VI
Euch prayer III
Communion side. pwk: LH
++++
{May God's grace strengthen your love and hope and faith, and may God's love surprise you even in the trials and challenges of the week. }
Go in peace. (glorifying the Lord by your life)
Also, the values of Christ are everlasting - they are about becoming an ever-more loving, more compassionate, more generous and reverent person, shown in our care for God's people. And quite irrespective of whether or not they have anything practical to offer us in return. The treasures and awards of this world, are not God's stock-in-trade.
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press
Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.
Image: By boonchoke. photo ID: 758040853. Licensed by Shutterstock. Group of people planning and strategizing.
+++
Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love, A time of Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
[{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]
Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).
{ "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011, Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski
Featuring the….Gloria, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms: http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/ ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/
"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn: Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.
For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us at paulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources.
May God bless and keep you.
Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year C
(Sunday, September 22, 2019)
(EPISODE: 178 )
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++
{{Good wishes to you all.}}
Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// You come in word and in sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//You will come again in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sundays Ordinary VI
Euch prayer III
Communion side. pwk: LH
++++
{May God's grace strengthen your love and hope and faith, and may God's love surprise you even in the trials and challenges of the week. }
Go in peace. (glorifying the Lord by your life)
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