TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

(Amos 8:4-7; Ps 113(112); 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13)

Theme: A Successful Pilgrim's Journey in a Distracted World

Lest we forget, we are pilgrims in this world; “we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of it” except the report of our pilgrimage: how we lived the Lord’s goodness, kept His precepts, and raised ourselves and others to success and the Lord. Thus, we will be called at some point to account for our stewardship.

Now is the time to work on our life’s report, which must align with the Lord’s precepts. For if my life’s report is based on human values that support “I don’t care, it's my life, and I make my own rules" attitudes, we might fail the eternal test of purpose and godliness.

Thus, Prophet Amos warns in today’s first reading. While prophesying in the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BC, he reminded those who manipulated the poor and did whatever it took to enrich themselves that the Lord had noted their misdeeds. In other words, we are reminded of two things: first, that our status or wealth will not be the measure of the success of our pilgrimage on earth, but its alignment with God’s will and the purpose of our existence.

Secondly, since, as today’s Psalmist states, He who dwells on high has the power to lower Himself and look down upon heaven and earth, it means we are not alone on this journey.

Therefore, we must uphold and rely on His directives, not our wealth and riches, for in the dictates of the Good Shepherd are principles that help us to succeed and attain everlasting happiness.

Thus, in today’s gospel, our Lord Jesus demands that we be astute, wise, prudent, and humble in our earthly affairs if we desire to positively impact others, particularly those considered unsuccessful by human standards. In other words, we must practice virtues that strengthen our spiritual life, protect our social and economic well-being, and guarantee the success of pilgrimage.

In today’s second reading, St. Paul insists that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for all people, especially those with influence and power to support or hinder our successes, peace, and entry into God’s kingdom.

Thus, to keep in check human and material distractions, we must have a firm relationship with the Mediator between God and man, who alone has the power to revive our drooping spirit and guarantee a successful pilgrimage.