God, who Gives life to all Things

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 28 September 2025

Readings: Amos 6:1, 4–7; Psalm 146:7–10; 1 Timothy 6:11–16; Luke 16:19–31

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/GrbVYZhl710

We live in a world of contrasts, those who have and have-nots. The rich man and Lazarus are found everywhere. The world of today needs more listening and acting, opening one's eyes and reacting. In recent months, we have been hearing that a new world order is being put in place. Instead of working with great world institutions like the United Nations, individual countries are determining the fate of the smaller and economically weaker countries. The strongest, the bulliest, and the proudest are the ones who seem to be winning the race for power, supremacy and influence. The smaller, weaker and silent countries seem to be just watching the game. In this context, we have this wonderful parable of the rich man and Lazarus. 

1. Visibility of contrast between the rich man and Lazarus

In the Gospel of Luke 16:19–31, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is one of Jesus’ most unsettling stories, not because it is mysterious or difficult to understand, but because it is painfully clear. We encounter two characters: one who “dressed in purple and fine linen and feasted magnificently every day,” and another, Lazarus, who lay at his gate, covered with sores, longing for scraps. The scandal here is not merely the contrast in wealth, but the extent of indifference between them. Their differences are stark and strangely disgusting as well. 

We can also notice something strange here: the rich man is nameless, while the poor man is named. In ancient times, names were a mark of dignity and remembrance. By naming Lazarus, which means “God helps,” Jesus restores his identity and worth. The rich man, though powerful, is forgotten, defined only by his wealth. In God’s economy, it is not our possessions that secure our place in eternity, but our relationships, our kindness, our generousity, our compassion, and our attentiveness to others.

2. Making the right choices 

There are always choices in front of us on a platter. It is up to us to choose and decide. Here we have the rich man who is completely blind and cannot see the kind of misery Lazarus is going through. The rich man is not condemned for active cruelty; rather, he fails to see Lazarus. Day after day, he steps over him, eats in front of him, and never allows his comfort to be disrupted. Wealth blinds him. The arrogance of prosperity does not allow him to be human. Even in our times, we see this through our gated communities, exclusive streets of the rich and the powerful, associations and clubs. The world of Jesus exists even today!

The result of the indifference of the rich man is seen at the end, but not in this world. God chooses the lowly, little and the lost in this world. The choice that the rich man made was not to cross the small distance from his dining table to the beggar at his gate, and it had its consequences. He lost eternity. He burns in hell. No one listens to him or comes to him to console. Those who are voiceless teach us important lessons. Listening to God's people, the weak, marginalized and the voiceless is essential. Self-sufficiency does not save us but the joy of giving.

3. Striving for the greater good

We are running the race of life here on earth. St Paul gives us (1 Timothy 6:11–16) words of wisdom to our ears. “But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of eternal life…” These words are, indeed, gentle and encouraging. To be a disciple is not only to flee from what corrupts—greed, arrogance, the snares of wealth—but also to actively seek what builds the soul: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.

As Christians, we are called to strive for the greater good. The Christian life is not passive avoidance, but passionate striving. The words of St Paul, “fight of faith,” require from our side discipline, courage, patience and perseverance. Faith is not a vague aspiration but a concrete grasping, making deliberate choices, which enable one to cling to God’s promises amid life’s uncertainties. Ultimately, God is a giver of good gifts and “who gives life to all things.”

Questions for self-reflection

1. Do we truly hear the Word of God, or have we trained ourselves to be selective listeners—embracing what comforts us while ignoring what unsettles us?
2. How do we respond to the suffering around us?

Prayer

Lord of life and light, You call me to take hold of eternal life with courage and perseverance, to fight the good fight of faith not with weapons of power, but with righteousness, love, endurance, and gentleness. Yet Your Word also reminds me that faith is never abstract but practical. Teach me to see those I would rather not see, to cross the distance between my abundance and another’s need, and to live each day as one entrusted with a holy responsibility. I make this prayer in your Holy Name, Jesus, Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

Email: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

26 September 2025