Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Reflection 2019
Author: Barb Belle, Member of Visitation Marianist State Community, Ohana Kaminaka Community
September 29, 2019
How do we interpret these scripture readings to fulfill our calling within the Marianist Family?
In the first reading, Amos warns against complacency. Have we taken our comfortable lifestyle for granted and forgotten about those starving around the world? Are we building walls to keep out the poor? Jesus performed miracles and walked with the poor, not with those in power. But even if we are awakened from our complacency (by both the misdeeds of the leaders of our country and within our Church); do we practice the value of humility and show our gratitude for all that we have been given?
The gospel also tells us that Jesus used the parable of the rich man to warn the Pharisees. Many of us faithfully pray for the poor. We may also give generously to worthy organizations that we believe provide good services. Could we also do something to help the poor to overcome the systems that oppress them? Are we not called to work for common good? It is not easy work and it does not happen overnight. Of course, it is very challenging to care for those who have much less. Christ did not teach us to exclude anyone. He taught us that with the help of God, there could be enough for all.
Instead of trying to make changes on our own, we can call on our lay communities to walk with us to assist others; not just the economically poor but many who are lonely, ill or forgotten. The message of these readings is that if we are entangled in wealth and pride; we will not be particularly favored before God.
Does your community include many people from different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds? Could you have more diversity in your community? Let us look to our communities for strength and determination. The joint efforts of our Marianist family and your own community may make it more possible to support those who are excluded by our society. Social Justice means that our individual prayers are moved to communal action. Pope Francis said, “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. This is how prayer works.”
Just a reminder, this week, (Tues. Oct 1) is the feast day of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux who is a great example of someone who reached out. She may be best known as the Little Flower of Jesus, but she is a Doctor of the Catholic Church, which means that her writings are considered particularly important for Catholics. She showed by example how we can all do small things with great love. She reminds us that these SMALL things make us rich, and if we share, we can keep God's kingdom growing. This is how we hope to live every day in the mission of Mary by demonstrating love, patience, and gentleness. Remember to look for ways to show that touch of Divine love within each us; to share your riches with all those in need.