Complacent

Greetings on this the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Am 6:1a, 4-7; Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; 1 Tm 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31
Notes: Being complacent in regard to one’s own eternal wellbeing is a most regrettable path to take.

In today’s gospel portion we are confronted with the great chasm between Abraham with Lazarus and the Rich Man. The chasm, how did it come to be?
The Rich Man dug it, one shovelful of complacency at a time.

First reading
Thus says the LORD the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion!

Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.

Responsorial Psalm
Praise the Lord, my soul!

Blessed is he who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free.

Second reading
But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Alleluia Verse
Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Gospel Portion
Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table.

Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.

I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.

But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry