Scripture Reflection, September 21, 2025, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Amos 8:4-7 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Luke 16:1-13

Everything we have is gift. The time and place and family into which I was born, my skills and talents, the education I received and the relationships that have enriched my life… all are gift. I can use them well or poorly but it is God, the Giver of all good gifts from whom I have received them. And my appropriate response is gratitude and generosity.

Today's gospel and first reading have some things to say about material goods. While hard work and good choices can make some difference in one’s finances, there is no self-made person, someone who has acquired material goods without the cooperation and assistance of others and the natural gifts God has given him or her. This truth seems to have been lost on those the prophet Amos addresses in the first reading. “We will diminish the ephah, add to the shekel and fix our scales for cheating! We will buy the lowly for silver and the poor for a pair of sandals. “ You can almost hear the cackling!

Surely, nobody talks like that today! But let me update the language. "As long as my 401(k) is doing well, why should I care if the poor have to choose between food and healthcare!“ Now does it sound familiar?

Speaking for God, the prophet says "Never will I forget a thing they have done! “ Strong words, indeed.

According to Jesus the two great Commandments are love of God and love of neighbor as oneself. I suggest that our use of our material goods is an excellent indicator of how well I obey that second commandment.

Am I more interested in doing well or in doing good?

Am I as aware of legislation that impacts the lives of the poor and marginalized as I am the activity of the stock market?

Does a close look at my checkbook reveal a concern for others or am I the only beneficiary of the material goods entrusted to me?

Do I differentiate between my wants and my needs? Or do I take whatever I want from the human community without regard for the needs of others because "I can afford it? “

My answers to these tough questions will show me whether or not I live my life in generous gratitude to God for all I have been given.

by: Pat Schnee, OPA