The First Reading from the Old Testament Book of the Prophet Amos and today’s Gospel speak about the proper use of wealth. The Prophet Amos says that God says: “Woe to the complacent!” The self-absorbed rich of the readings today eat a banquet that consists of self-indulgence, carnality, oppression and injustice. We have been hearing in the readings for the last few weeks that our lives as Disciples involve our choices for the use of our time, talent and treasure.
What does it mean to be complacent? Webster says it means to be self-satisfied by one’s own lot and circumstances accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. This describes the Gospel story of Lazarus and the Dives (the rich man), pretty well. Dives enjoys his wealth and position, ignoring the suffering of Lazarus as he goes about his earthly life. He was oblivious to Lazarus and his circumstances; satisfied by what he enjoyed daily. He was complacent about Lazarus, and I imagine, others, as well…
Dives knows Lazarus’ name: Lazarus, who starved and suffered on Dives’ doorstep. Dives knew him well enough to know his name but did nothing to alleviate his suffering. We know that a name can express the very essence of a person. In revealing our names we become accessible to each other inviting intimacy. By our names we are known! Dives knew Lazarus’ name, had enough intimacy to know it, and yet was so self-absorbed and complacent that he did not help him—setting himself up for the reward of thirsting in hell.
We should see this story as a wake-up call for all of us: for we do not know when we, ourselves, will be called. Our lives must be lived with the urgency of our salvation. Complacency is our enemy—and is not from God. In the readings today we hear that after death it is too late! Salvation consists of heeding the Word of God now.
St. Paul says it clearly in his Letter to Timothy: “But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life to which you were called…” There is nothing of complacency in this advice! What will convert this world to justice? Our acts and works. Who will implement the Kingdom of God on earth? We will. We know that the lowly will be lifted up and the mighty put down from their thrones¾with the grace and help of God and each other. Your name will be known by your works of faith and by your life lived according to the Gospel.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
What does it mean to be complacent? Webster says it means to be self-satisfied by one’s own lot and circumstances accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. This describes the Gospel story of Lazarus and the Dives (the rich man), pretty well. Dives enjoys his wealth and position, ignoring the suffering of Lazarus as he goes about his earthly life. He was oblivious to Lazarus and his circumstances; satisfied by what he enjoyed daily. He was complacent about Lazarus, and I imagine, others, as well…
Dives knows Lazarus’ name: Lazarus, who starved and suffered on Dives’ doorstep. Dives knew him well enough to know his name but did nothing to alleviate his suffering. We know that a name can express the very essence of a person. In revealing our names we become accessible to each other inviting intimacy. By our names we are known! Dives knew Lazarus’ name, had enough intimacy to know it, and yet was so self-absorbed and complacent that he did not help him—setting himself up for the reward of thirsting in hell.
We should see this story as a wake-up call for all of us: for we do not know when we, ourselves, will be called. Our lives must be lived with the urgency of our salvation. Complacency is our enemy—and is not from God. In the readings today we hear that after death it is too late! Salvation consists of heeding the Word of God now.
St. Paul says it clearly in his Letter to Timothy: “But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life to which you were called…” There is nothing of complacency in this advice! What will convert this world to justice? Our acts and works. Who will implement the Kingdom of God on earth? We will. We know that the lowly will be lifted up and the mighty put down from their thrones¾with the grace and help of God and each other. Your name will be known by your works of faith and by your life lived according to the Gospel.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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