The 26th and 27th Sunday Mass readings inspire the faithful to take inventory of material and spiritual dependence. We are moved towards a deeper insight into living a righteous life, virtue dependent and rooted in the seeds of faith.
Prophets forewarning
The Old Testament readings are from the Books of Amos and Habakkuk, two minor prophets with major concerns. (For clarity, the term “minor” refers to the length of the book, that being shorter than the length of the book of a major prophet, as with the prophet Isaiah.) Amos wastes no time in addressing the disadvantages of living a complacent life. He warns against indulgent material comfort and the circumstances of such existence that leads to exile. It carries a false message of gathering that which is material to provide security and a sense of control. “The more I own the better off I am.” There is no wrong in living comfortably. Yet, overindulgence leads to sinfulness, as greed and complacency suffocate the heart, omitting charity and motivation.
Even when we faithfully trust in God to provide, there is a strong temptation to rely on material goods to bring us back to our so-called comfort zone. Habukkuk (Hb 1:2-3, 2:2-4) foretells that with faith there is suffering. Yet God, who is always working for us, even if we cannot see it now, offers hope and calls us to trust. If one is open to the voice of God, one will realize he is ever-present. Herein lies the power of the Holy Spirit, an opportunity for prayer and discernment.
Psalm 95 proclaims “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Am I “hearing” the voice of God? What am I surrounding myself with to create a comfort zone? Am I overinvested in the materialism of the world? Am I keeping close to God in prayer and active participation in the sacraments, especially reconciliation and Eucharist? What are the obstacles holding me back?
Righteous virtue
God is calling us to trust him, trust his wisdom, mercy and love. St. Paul’s First Letter to Timothy (1 Tim 6:11-16) offers words of encouragement to stand firm during times of strife, be devoted to Christ, love, have faith and be patient and gentle. Steadfast righteousness founded in virtue sets one on the path of holiness. God, in his goodness and grace, through the Passion, death and resurrection of Christ, opens the gates to eternity, redemption. Dependence on God is deep-rooted trust in him. We are to “stir into flame” what has been given by the Holy Spirit in baptism and fortified in confirmation that is the power to love, bear hardship and practice self-control in order to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ (2 Tim 1:13-14).
Hence the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord help sustain our moral life and dispose us to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. What gifts am I in most need of? Ask the Holy Spirit to increase your capacity for these.
Reap what is sown (Lk 16:19-31)
The Gospel message found in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is most familiar. Note, the beggar is named, whereas the rich man remains nameless. The message speaks volumes regarding the mercy shown to those in most need, those on the margins, those who are, for whatever reason, unable to care for themselves. The rich man is comfortable, complacent and content.
Lazarus is in despair, begging for compassion, only to be stepped over, ignored but not forgotten. Both die. Is it surprising the rich man ends up in eternal damnation, whereas Lazarus is comforted in heavenly reality by Abraham, the father of faith? The rich man realizes his complacent life-style created a lack of charity, which led to his eternal suffering. When alive, it was not that the rich man did not see Lazarus suffering; rather, he chose not to acknowledge Lazarus and therefore ignore him. He acted as if Lazarus did not exist.
As a result, what the rich man chose in life, he lived in death, including a self-made “chasm” between good and evil, heaven and hell. What were the seeds of his faith? Are we sowing seeds of compassion, charity and hope to those who lack? Lord, fill us with your grace in order for us to become aware of those in our midst, recognizing where they are and aiding us and accompany them so they may encounter your love.
Mustard seed (Lk 17: 5-10)
“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ The Lord replied, ‘If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.’ ”
Is faith this easy: a small seed that flourishes as such to command extraordinary actions? Yes, it is. A little faith goes a long way. Just the act of believing is enough for the power of Christ to act in our lives. With faith is grace, for we are unable to act on our own initiatives, wishes or human perception. It is with the eyes and heart of faith that mountains can move. With faith is obedience. “To obey (from the Latin to ‘hear or listen to’) in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard, because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is truth itself” (Catechism of The Catholic Church para# 144). We believe in a Triune God: Father, son and Holy Spirit!
“Faith is a grace, a human action helped by the Holy Spirit and a place where one seeks understanding of truth in Jesus Christ” (CCC 156-159).
What are the seeds of my faith? What small seeds planted within my heart influence the choices I make in life? Are the roots of faith sprouting from the seeds of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, which steer my actions into Christ-like love? Are the roots of faith sprouting from seeds of the word of God in the Bible to guide my choices? Are the roots of faith sprouting from the seeds of grace received in the sacraments of baptism, Communion, confirmation, reconciliation, holy orders, matrimony, and/or anointing of the sick? Are the roots of faith sprouting from the seeds of a life filled with prayer? Am I acting on this faith? O Lord, increase our faith!
Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.