The Best investment is to invest in the Poor

Amos 8:4-7, 1 Tim. 2:1-8, Lk. 16:1-13. On this Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church enjoins us to reflect on our attitude towards the poor and marginalised. In today’s first reading, the Prophet Amos condemns injustice and oppression against the poor. He wrote at a time when the rich took all the land and “enslaved” the poor in their farmlands. They exported food in order to make more money for themselves, while the poor starved and died of hunger. Today, we are faced with similar situations all over the world. While some cannot afford one meal per day, others waste money on irrelevant projects. In today's second reading, Paul implores us to pray for everyone especially kings, rulers and leaders in government. This prayer is necessary for conversion and wisdom. If our leaders are converted and become wise, they will help to stop corruption, injustice, and oppression in our land and systems.

God loves us equally and wishes that we prosper and be in good health, even as our soul prospers. Once we understand this, selfishness will disappear and we shall begin to consider the interest and good of others. It is the will of God that we should be saved. This includes being saved from starvation, injustice, greed and corruption that has destroyed our world and left many poor. In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the fact that money and material things do not last forever. Hence, He enjoins us to make use of them without losing our salvation. There is a saying that: “The best way to invest is to invest in the poor.” We should therefore learn to invest in the poor in order to improve their conditions. Amassing wealth for ourselves without using them to help those in need only amounts to greed and selfishness. Money and wealth have value only when they are wisely used to help those around us.

May the Lord be our shield so that we may raise our head high and radiate the glory of God in our generosity to those in need! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!