On this 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C, the focus of the readings examines the grave danger of the misuse of riches when they are used for selfish gain. It is the fundamental belief of Catholic social teaching to care for the poor. In this particular case, it is in the first reading where we are introduced to Amos. Amos preaches to the Northern Kingdom of Israel and warns them of their impending demise. In this society, there is a clear rich man/ poor man separation. As the wealthy bask in their finery, the poor are cast down to a humble dwelling. Amos’ prophesy about Judea later came true when in around 586 B.C, Babylon waged war on the land and exiled many of its citizens. Psalm 146 is a psalm of praise. Its teaching lies in the fact that the lowly are fit to praise the Lord, in their struggle. In God is their dependency. The Good News proclaimed in this psalm is in the words, the Lord “sets captives free” and “raises up those who were bowed down.” The third stanza says, “The Lord upholds the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the path of Sion from age to age.” This reinforces Amos’ message in the first reading and Luke’s gospel message of the eternal destruction that awaits those who are not sensitive to the poor. The rich man is not condemned for being rich but is condemned for his unwillingness to share and care for others. The first stanza of the psalm states: “It is the Lord…..who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord who sets prisoners free.” I think we often take for granted the many blessings bestowed upon us. Instead of showing our gratitude by sharing with others, we become entrenched in luxury, in comfort, in pleasure, and in lust. We are too wrapped up in our festive meals, non- stop bombardment by social media, and engulfed in consumerism. We are too reluctant to share with others. When we do for others, we will experience joy and happiness because we are acting as Christ would act and fulfilling the covenant of love. Today’s parable should shake us to the core if we find ourselves inattentive to the needs of our brothers and sisters. The time is now to take action. Personally, I cannot perform my music ministry and sing, for instance, “Whatsoever You Do”, a hymn often chosen for this day in the church year, if I shut out or ignore the homeless person sitting on the steps leadings up to the choir loft. When I take the time to communicate with him/her, even with a smile, or just simply greet her/him with a “Good Morning” or “God bless you”, it breaks the ice. My point is we do not have to look too far to find a person who is searching to belong. According to St. Augustine,” singing is for the one who loves “(STL, 2). As a cantor, I can sing these words with love, if I have extended love to one of these least ones. Another point to keep in mind: God does not expect us to fix every problem. God the Father willed the Son to suffer and die for us. But, we are expected to work toward the kingdom, by problem- solving about ways we can make this a more just society. I find myself relating to the rich man, or in Hebrew, the “sha’anan” (as Amos describes as complacent) in this Gospel reading, as perhaps many of us do. The word describes people who are “at ease” or “feel secure” and fall into careless, intemperate habits.” (Workbook for Lectors, 2022) But, in some ways, each of us is a Lazarus, in God’s eyes. Perhaps we may not be lacking in material wealth, but perhaps we are lacking in spiritual wealth. God heals our wounds and restores us back to goodness. Perhaps, by recognizing God in the poor, we can recognize ourselves better as God’s precious gift. Because of concupiscence, the human condition is susceptible to sin. By practicing humility, one can be more Christ-like. Jesus asks of all human beings to love from the heart and to care for the poor. In so doing, we become “bread” for others.