Mass Readings and Reflection – Sunday, September 28, 2025

First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4–7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146
Response: My soul, give praise to the Lord.

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11–16

Gospel: Luke 16:19–31

I made it to mass at work at SRC Chapel. It was a wonderful liturgy. The Bible reading references are above and the reflection from mass and others below. 

Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on poverty and our relationship with the poor. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man teaches us that the difference between eternal comfort and eternal torment lies not in material wealth itself, but in one’s attitude toward poverty, both one’s own and that of others.

Jesus Himself embraced poverty, being born in a manger and having no home of His own. He instructed His disciples to live detached from possessions, teaching that “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3). Poverty, when accepted with humility and trust in God, becomes a spiritual strength.

A poor person may respond to poverty with bitterness, envy, pride, or laziness, refusing to help themselves. This is a wrong attitude. True Christian poverty accepts limitations with humility and seeks honest ways to rise above hardship. The poor should not live with arrogance or entitlement, but with dignity, effort, and openness to assistance.

Then the rich sin when they are arrogant, exploit the poor, or ignore the needs of those around them. Wealth is not evil in itself, it is a blessing from God, but it becomes a curse when hoarded or wasted while others suffer. The rich are called to stewardship: to share what they have, to uplift those in need, and to be sensitive to the cries of the poor. Every day we must make serious reflection on things such as: do not waste or hoard what others desperately need. Are we being  sensitive and generous, not exploitative or boastful, when helping others.

Do we help the poor with dignity, without enslaving them to charity or humiliating them.
Wd all have something to offer others and may we use our blessings to build justice and fraternity for the good of all.

In the end, it is attitude that matters. The poor must approach their poverty with humility and hope, and the rich must approach wealth with gratitude and generosity. When we do this, we bridge the gap between rich and poor and live as true brothers and sisters in Christ.

Have a wonderful Sunday and God bless. 

Pal Ronnie