In the story, we see how the rich man living a life of comfort and ease is oblivious to the struggles of Lazarus at his doorway. How often did he step over him or look away? He would have known the teachings of the prophets; how could he have knowledge of the words of Amos that we heard today and not been moved to help? How could he have given worship to God and yet been blind to Lazarus’ pain? It could only be that he had chosen not to see Lazarus. 

One of the great themes of Luke’s Gospel is reversal – God puts down the arrogant and raises the lowly, he feeds the hungry and sends the rich away empty, he warns the rich that they have received their consolation and those who have the respect of others that it is fleeting and will fade (Cf., Luke 1:46-55).

First Reading
Amos 6:1,4-7
God will judge the complacency of the people and their leaders.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 146:7-10
Happy are those who find solace in God, the help of the poor.

Second Reading
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Paul exhorts Timothy to stay faithful to God in all things.

Gospel Reading
Luke 16:19-31
Jesus tells the parable of the reversal of fortunes between the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus.