26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time are:

1. Amos 6: 1a, 4-7
2. Psalms 146: 7, 8-9, 9-10
3. 1 Timothy 6:11-16
4. Luke 16: 19-31

• Self-made man
• In my generation, the "self made man" was held in high esteem.  This was the tycoon who started poor, worked hard, rose through the ranks, and "really made something" of themselves without the benefit of name, title, or inheritance.
• Which makes it tough to feel responsibility for those who are lost at the fringes of our society.  They are all reaping the results of decisions that they have made, so is there an obligation on the part of the rest of us to help?
• Would helping these lost (the unemployed, the homeless, AIDS victims, inner city gang members, ... the list goes on and on) violate their personal freedoms?
• How would we reach out to such folks since our lives are so removed from theirs?
• Or, are there others, still lost at the fringes, who are closer to home?

• Solidarity in our time
• Who are the "fatherless and the widows", those with no one to stand up for them, in our time?
• Is it possible that, by direct means or indirect ones, I might be taking advantage of injustices done to people that I've never even met?  If I get a bargain on a shirt made with slave labor in Malaysia, am I responsible in any way?
• How deep into the supply chains of our lives should we dig when looking for sustainable, just business practices?

• Perseverance isn't always pretty
• Among the monks it's said that the young pray for patience, and the old for perseverance.
• Are there any aspects of your Christian walk that are getting harder with each passing year?
• Is that just age creeping up on you, or is there a tiredness of another sort that's emerging?
• How can you keep your relationship with Jesus fresh and lively?

• Warning others
• What does it really mean to be a prophet?
• Do you think that poets are ever prophetic?
• Do you think that it's possible to have too many prophets in our midst?
• Could God be calling you to be a prophet in the context of some community?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Am I willing to be touched by others in need?
2. Do I see all of humanity connected in God?
3. How am I renewing my faith for the long haul?
4. If I imagine myself heroically standing up for my faith, where/when is that?

Someday this will all be yours

Dad had it in his mind to leave behind a legacy.
Nothing pretentious mind you, no statuary needed.
Just something, a trend, a discovery, a school of thought
That said "Tom Brown was here and we're better for it."

I remember as a child, Dad putting his arm around my shoulders,
And in one sweeping gesture, taking in our suburban home,
The garage with the cars, the tools, the assorted stuff,
Not to mention the crazy dog in the backyard

And with that grand gesture, he said "someday, this will all be yours."
I must have been in my early teens by that time,
Because I remember thinking that was a mixed blessing at best.
For I'd already seen the responsibilities that came with "all that".

But, dad was right.  There's too much stuff in the garage
To even allow us to park one care there, let alone two.
We finally retired our mortgage a couple of years ago.
Got the kids through college and well established.

And that's been rewarding.  I've touched lives along the way.
But I always wonder, worry actually,
Whether I've paid enough attention to the Lazarus along the way
That was patiently waiting for help that only I could give.

I remember frequently being told "never take generosity for granted."
And I've done a good job at expressing appreciation for each kindness.
But maybe I've taken being generous for granted.
And missed some opportunities along the way.

Lord make me sensitive to the calls for help that you send my way
That I may live a life full of living
And empty of regrets
Amen.

Shalom!