Amos 8:4-7

In Amos' time, the wealthy were getting wealthier and the poor poorer. It sounds familiar. The prophet rails against the merchants impatient for the end of the holy days so that they can get back to their dishonest trading at the expense of the poor. He warns the traders about their greed. "The Lord will never forget any of their deeds."

1 Timothy 2:1-8

St. Paul urges Timothy's community both at the beginning and at the end of the reading to be a people of prayer and to include the civil authorities in their prayer. Where possible, he encourages the people to avoid hostility so that they may "lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in everyway." Paul wants them to be "pleasing to God who desires all people to be saved." That salvation comes through Jesus Christ, and they are called to be heralds of that Gospel of truth - a challenge for us and for the world in which we live!

Luke 16:1-13

The rich man sacks the incompetent and dishonest manager, and then praises him for his shrewdness. It seems puzzling. Perhaps the manager was cancelling the percentage he had added for himself or perhaps, like the father in the previous story of the Prodigal Son, the rich man was not condemning or disowning the man but giving him a second chance. For ourselves, our eyes must be focussed on Christ, constantly aware that our possessions and any wealth can lead to dishonesty. We need to be prudent and restrained in our use of earthly goods.

Reflection

We are in a month of new beginnings - a new school year - a new job - a first year at college or university - a new opportunity to live and give witness to the love of Jesus. Our readings invite us to root whatever our situation is in prayer, in love of those around us, in honesty and in moderation.

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There are several threads running through our readings today:

1.       Responsibilities of those in authority and those who are led by them: see CCC para 2234-2240

2.       Respect for the poor: see CCC para 2443-2449

3.       Sharp business practices. See CCC para 2407-2414 (but note response of rich man to his manager in the Gospel)

4.       Prayers of petition, intercession,and thanksgiving: see CCC para 2629-2638

Question: Today is Home Missions Sunday. How might this be applied to these threads?

Question: What are the implications of describing Jesus as “a ransom for all”? (Second Reading)

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Note: These hymns have been chosen from different sources.

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Be thou my vision (CFE74, L970, LHON168)

Blest are the pure in heart (CFE88, L908, LHON 174, TCH208)

Do not be afraid (CFE147, L972, LHON240)

Seek ye first the kingdom of God (CFE633, L820, LHON604)

Key

CFE - Celebration Hymnal for Everyone

L – Laudate

LHON – Liturgical Hymns Old and New (Mayhew, 1999)

TCH – The Catholic Hymnbook (Gracewing)