Storing up our treasure in Heaven ~ by M.A. Allen

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13

"We will diminish the ephah, add to the shekel, and fix our scales for cheating!" (8:5) These are the words of the prophet, Amos, as he describes the dishonest business practices that some of the Israelites were accused of.

It is obvious that the theme of today's readings is social justice. Amos is denouncing these practices and is warning the Israelites, that the Lord will not forget what is being done to His people. Amos teaches that we have an obligation to take care of those who can't take care of themselves; that we are not a society that believes in the survival of the fittest but that everyone should be cared for.

We also need to be honest in recognizing that money, of itself, is not evil. However, we must not allow money to become the center of our lives.

In Luke's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that our true home is with God. Because there are pitfalls along the way, we need to look after not only our bodily needs, but even more importantly, to put aside heavenly treasure.

Jesus points out to us, the prudence shown by the dishonest steward, who very cleverly secured his future before being dismissed by his master. Jesus implies that we also need to use our imaginations and our gifts in assuring our place in heaven. One way we can store up our treasure is by looking to the needs of our community and our parish family. We have a duty to respond to the needs of others, because we know that on Judgement Day, God will ask us what we have done for our brothers and sisters in their need.

What will our answer be?