In today’s Gospel, we are reminded of the importance of bringing God’s compassionate love and care to those who are less fortunate than we are. Just as in Jesus’ time, many people today lack the basic necessities for a decent life. We don’t have to look far to see those who are deprived in various ways. It is important to recognize that this deprivation is not only material; it extends to all aspects of our human existence.

-         We should not only feel pity for the poor; we must also show genuine mercy and compassion towards them. This kind of mercy involves a personal concern that requires us to give not just from our abundance but also from the very little that we hold dear.

 -         Jesus Christ provides us with the perfect example of how to bring God’s mercy to the poor. Though He was rich, for our sake, He became poor so that by His poverty, we might become rich (cf. Acclamation before the Gospel). 

-         The Prophet Amos, known as the prophet of social justice, warned the wealthy of his time who ignored the needs of the poor (cf.1st Reading). 

-         The message of Amos is highly relevant to our present time.  

-         To live as conscientious individuals who do not distance their hearts from the cries of the poor, we must heed the encouragement of St. Paul to Timothy: “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness” (cf. 2nd Reading). 

-         Let us remember that caring for the needs of the poor and less fortunate is a matter of justice. This principle aligns with the Social Teaching of the Church, particularly regarding human dignity and the option for the poor (cf. CCC 2419–2425).

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Sometimes in life we may think that the making of money and the accumulation of wealth may provide us with a sense of security and freedom.  We can easily ‘treasure’ these things. Money and its accumulation in the form of wealth, can indeed serve a good purpose in this life. However, it is easy for these to become an end in themselves. Today’s readings are about the rich and poor. The Collect mentions “heirs to the treasures of heaven”. What are our treasures of life? We first profess in the Collect that God manifests his almighty power, in pardon and showing mercy. These things cannot be purchased but are accepted as a free gift. We are invited to hasten towards the promises of God. The promises of fullness of human flourishment, peace, love, justice, and true happiness. Every single human person desires these things in life, and at times, we may think that we can ‘purchase’ these things. Although things can provide us with a temporary sense of peace and happiness, ultimately, they do not provide true peace and happiness. As human beings, made in the image and likeness of God, and having the capacity for God, we only find true peace and happiness in God. God is our ultimate end, and we are not truly satisfied until we find our rest in God. During the celebration of the liturgy, we acknowledge our need for God and his assistance, which we call grace. We accept God’s pardon and mercy, and we receive, as a free gift, the ‘treasures of heaven’. In the Eucharist, we receive Christ, the master key of our lives, which ultimately fulfills all our desires.

Bidding Prayers

For rich nations of the world – that they may share with the poorer nations, as to help them to provide for the basic human needs of their people.

For those in the community who work for the poor – that they may help them in every way, and through our support, may we identify ourselves with them and those they serve.       

For those who are over anxious about their financial security – that they may place their trust in the Lord and seek his love and grace which will give their lives meaning and purpose.

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The following hymns have been chosen from the Laudate Hymnbook:

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God of mercy and compassion 840

Lord, make me a means of your pace 899

I received the living God 636

Sweet Sacrament divine 663

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