Care and Martyria

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to assess our role as followers of Christ in the face of the great divisions between the “haves” and the “have nots” in our modern society.

“haves” and the “have nots”

The Reading from the Prophet Amos declares a Third Woe for those pursuing a luxurious lifestyle.

* [6:2] Calneh…Hamath…Gath: city-states overcome by the Assyrians in the eighth century B.C., whose fate should be a lesson to the Israelites. The prophet castigates the leaders for being more intent on pursuing a luxurious lifestyle (vv. 1, 4–6) than reading the signs of the times. (Amos, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)

Psalm 146 declares there is no other source of strength except the merciful God.

* [Psalm 146] A hymn of someone who has learned there is no other source of strength except the merciful God. Only God, not mortal human beings (Ps 146:3–4), can help vulnerable and oppressed people (Ps 146:5–9). The first of the five hymns that conclude the Psalter. (Psalms, PSALM 146, n.d.)

The Reading from the First Letter to Timothy consists of Exhortations to Timothy.

* [6:11–16] Timothy’s position demands total dedication to God and faultless witness to Christ (1 Tm 6:11–14) operating from an awareness, through faith, of the coming revelation in Jesus of the invisible God (1 Tm 6:15–16).

* [6:11] Man of God: a title applied to Moses and the prophets (Dt 33:1; 1 Sm 2:27; 1 Kgs 12:22; 13:1; etc.). (1 Timothy, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke shares The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.

* [16:19–31] The parable of the rich man and Lazarus again illustrates Luke’s concern with Jesus’ attitude toward the rich and the poor. The reversal of the fates of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:22–23) illustrates the teachings of Jesus in Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” (Lk 6:20–21, 24–25).

* [16:19] The oldest Greek manuscript of Luke dating from ca. A.D. 175–225 records the name of the rich man as an abbreviated form of “Nineveh,” but there is very little textual support in other manuscripts for this reading. “Dives” of popular tradition is the Latin Vulgate’s translation for “rich man” (Lk 16:19–31).

* [16:23] The netherworld: see note on Lk 10:15.

* [16:30–31] A foreshadowing in Luke’s gospel of the rejection of the call to repentance even after Jesus’ resurrection. (Amos, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)

Rev. Jim Caime, SJ, presents a question for us: “Who is Lazarus at our gate? And will we have eyes to see them?”

When I worked in New Orleans I once sang with a choir at a men’s shelter on Martin Luther King Day. Our choir was part of a group of area choirs. We sang Janèt Sullivan Whitaker’s song “The Least of These” (Link attached ). At first, I worried we had chosen the wrong song. While the gospel choirs had the men clapping and cheering, our song left them sitting in silence. It was only a few moments later, as I looked more closely, that I saw they weren’t unmoved. They were in tears. The men told me it was the first time they had felt seen. There was even a song about them that moved their hearts. Someone had captured the pain in their hearts and gave voice to it so others might see. For once, they were not invisible. They were seen. (Caime, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Creator of both rich and poor,” by Augustine of Hippo, 3540-430 A.D.

"God made both the rich and the poor. So the rich and the poor are born alike. You meet one another as you walk on the way together. Do not oppress or defraud anyone. One may be needy and another may have plenty. But the Lord is the maker of them both. Through the person who has, He helps the one who needs - and through the person who does not have, He tests the one who has." (excerpt from Sermon 35, 7) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that Amos preached about social injustice. He chastised gluttons while the people were starving. He declared a terrible calamity will come! Timothy, in the name of Paul,  exhorts us to live holy lives of witness. He uses the Greek word “martyria” that means “martyr.” to advise us to die to ourselves while awaiting Jesus' return. Luke introduces the rich man with no name indicating that Lazarus is much more important. The purple robes were only able to be worn by the very rich. Lazarus is in the Bosom of Abraham, a special place and a seat of honour The rich man is punished for lack of charity. He seeks a few drops of water but the impassable chasm makes it impossible. His brothers have Moses the prophets and even someone rising from the dead. The tenor of the parable, from Jesus Himself, asks: “Do we reach out to those who need our help?”

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 16:19-31 notes that Jesus is telling us that the word of God can change even the hardest of hearts. Through the commandments God gave to Moses, he told us to be kind and generous toward those in need. And through the words of the prophets, he revealed his own heart for those who are vulnerable and neglected. Now he tells us that if we sit with these words and let them sink into our hearts, his Spirit will draw us out of our own selfishness. He will help us reach out of ourselves and share his love and generosity with anyone who is hurting.

What is Jesus saying to you today? Is there a word or phrase from one of today’s Mass readings that is standing out to you? Take that word and ponder it, even if you’re not sure what has drawn you to it. Be patient. Be open. Let almighty God speak to you.

“Lord, open my ears to your word! Open my heart to your call!” (Meditation on Luke 16:19-31, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, describes how the teachings of Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) became the foundation of Franciscan spirituality. 

As a result, Franciscan spirituality has never been an abstraction. It is grounded in Jesus’ specific instructions to his disciples, not ideology or denominational certitudes. Francis’ living of the gospel was just that: a simple lifestyle. It was the incarnation of Jesus Christ continuing in space and time. It was the presence of the Spirit taken as if it were true. It was being Jesus more than just worshiping Jesus. At its best, Franciscan life is not words or even ethics. It is flesh—naked, vulnerable flesh—unable to deny its limitations, unable to cover its wounds. Francis called this inner nakedness “poverty.”  

This pure vision of life attracted thousands to a new freedom in the church and in ministry. Religious communities had become more and more entangled with stipends and rich land holdings. Members lived individually simple lives but were corporately secure and even comfortable. Mendicant (begging) orders like the Franciscans were created to break that dangerous marriage between ministry and money. Francis didn’t want his friars to preach salvation (although they did that, too) as much as he wanted them to be salvation. He wanted them to model and mirror the life of Jesus in the world, with all of the vulnerability that would entail. That is why many people often attribute the saying “preach the gospel at all times, and when absolutely necessary use words” to describe Francis’ desire to live the gospel in every moment. [5] (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit to be responsive to the needs presented to us to be healing and help to the “Lazarus” we encounter on our journey.

References

Amos, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/6?1 

Caime, J. (n.d.). Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-september-28-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 16. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/16?19 

Meditation on Luke 16:19-31. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/09/28/1392146/ 

1 Timothy, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1timothy/6?11 

Psalms, PSALM 146. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/146?7 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/francis-and-the-gospel/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Lazarus Was Carried to Abraham's Bosom. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=sep28 

Beloved Hospitality

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today encourage us to live with hope and hospitality as a foundation for our mission bringing the Word of Christ to all parts of Creation.

Picnic Hospitality

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Paul’s Testimony to Jews in Rome.

* [28:16] With Paul’s arrival in Rome, the programmatic spread of the word of the Lord to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) is accomplished. In Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest, and under this mild form of custody he is allowed to proclaim the word in the capital of the civilized world of his day.

* [28:17–22] Paul’s first act in Rome is to learn from the leaders of the Jewish community whether the Jews of Jerusalem plan to pursue their case against him before the Roman jurisdiction. He is informed that no such plan is afoot, but that the Jews of Rome have heard the Christian teaching denounced. Paul’s offer to explain it to them is readily accepted.

* [28:20] The hope of Israel: in the words of Paul (Acts 23:6), Luke has identified this hope as hope in the resurrection of the dead.

* [28:25–28] Paul’s final words in Acts reflect a major concern of Luke’s writings: how the salvation promised in the Old Testament, accomplished by Jesus, and offered first to Israel (Acts 13:26), has now been offered to and accepted by the Gentiles. Quoting Is 6:9–10, Paul presents the scriptural support for his indictment of his fellow Jews who refuse to accept the message he proclaims. Their rejection leads to its proclamation among the Gentiles.

* [28:29] The Western text has added here a verse that is not found in the best Greek manuscripts: “And when he had said this, the Jews left, seriously arguing among themselves.”

* [28:30–31] Although the ending of Acts may seem to be abrupt, Luke has now completed his story with the establishment of Paul and the proclamation of Christianity in Rome. Paul’s confident and unhindered proclamation of the gospel in Rome forms the climax to the story whose outline was provided in Acts 1:8—“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem…and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 28 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 11 is a song of trust.

* [Psalm 11] A song of trust. Though friends counsel flight to the mountain country (a traditional hideout) to escape trouble (Ps 11:1–3), the innocent psalmist reaffirms confidence in God, who protects those who seek asylum in the Temple (Ps 11:4–7). (Psalms, PSALM 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Beloved Disciple in the Conclusion.

* [21:23] This whole scene takes on more significance if the disciple is already dead. The death of the apostolic generation caused problems in the church because of a belief that Jesus was to have returned first. Loss of faith sometimes resulted; cf. 2 Pt 3:4.

* [21:24] Who…has written them: this does not necessarily mean he wrote them with his own hand. The same expression is used in Jn 19:22 of Pilate, who certainly would not have written the inscription himself. We know: i.e., the Christian community; cf. Jn 1:14, 16. (John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Barbara Dilly comments that as a professor of anthropology at Creighton University, she was encouraged by the fact that our students were continually challenged to discern the truth in all situations.

Students learned to seek spiritual guidance in their perceptions and understanding of complex or demanding situations. Seeking spiritual guidance is how we learn to discern the truth. John 16 says that the Lord will send us the Spirit of truth who will guide us. Yet, the truth is often obscured. The Gospel lesson today says that the stories told in the book of John are true because the Spirit of truth inspired them. We have learned to trust the Bible for truths. Daily life, however, requires constant discernment in new situations. I pray today that we will open our hearts to the words in John 16: 7 and 13, “I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.”  And may we practice discernment. (Dilly, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Peter follows, John remains,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The Lord either said what he said to Peter about his martyrdom, or he said it about the gospel of John. As regards the martyrdom and this 'Follow me,' [he means] suffer for me, suffer what I did. Because Christ was crucified, Peter too was crucified... while John experienced none of this. That is what is meant by, 'It is thus that I wish him to remain.' Let him fall asleep without wounds, without torment, and wait for me. You, Peter, 'Follow me,' suffer what I did. That's one way these words can be explained...

"As regards the Gospel of John, though, this is what I think is meant: that Peter wrote about the Lord, others too wrote; but their writing was more concerned with the Lord's humanity... But while there is something about the divinity of Christ in Peter's letters, in John's gospel it is very much to the fore... He soared above the clouds and soared above the stars, soared above the angels, soared above every creature and arrived at the Word through which all things were made." (excerpt from Sermon 253.5.5) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 21:20-25 comments that if we focus on Him, we will discover the love that He has for us, and that love will fill our hearts in ways that comparing ourselves with others never can. Instead of getting distracted or discouraged by what could be, we find a sense of peace and contentment with what actually is, even if it is difficult.

Not only will focusing on Jesus help quiet our souls, but it will also give us the courage and strength to take up the calling he has for us. As St. Paul once wrote, the love of Christ “impels” us to live not for ourselves but to spend our lives following him and obeying his will (2 Corinthians 5:14).

God’s call for you is as unique and unrepeatable as you are. So the next time you feel that familiar tug to compare, pause and hear Jesus ask, “What concern is it of yours? Follow me.”

“Jesus, give me only your love and your grace, for they are enough for me.” (Meditation on John 21:20-25, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the likely path of Paul to martyrdom as Luke describes his ability to meet with Jewish leaders prior to his conviction and ultimate martyrdom by Nero. A theme in Acts shows Christians as good citizens, and traces the spread of the Gospel from the spiritual capital of the world to the political capital of the world. Friar Jude notes the qualities of the “add on” to the Gospel of John by a possible disciple of the Beloved.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Randy and Edith Woodley who share how they have experienced the Indigenous value of hospitality.

Recently, a group of six Native Alaskans showed up at our house for an unexpected visit. We had such a great time talking and visiting that, before we knew it, it was time for supper. With elders present, we knew we had to find something nourishing to feed the group—and quickly. We had a large pack of hot dogs left over from a recent event. We threw together all the cans of various kinds of pinto beans we had, and we ran to the garden to gather lettuce for a salad, which was the only vegetable in season at the time. 

These are the times when you just make do with what you have. Generosity doesn’t have to look like a lavish occasion or a perfectly executed meal. It just has to look like love. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the juxtaposition of peace and persecution in the path of Christ and leaders in our faith and praise the Presence in the Spirit that guides us to fullness of life. 

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 28 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/28?16 

Dilly, B. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/060725.html 

John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/21?20 

Meditation on John 21:20-25. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/06/07/1299976/ 

Psalms, PSALM 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/11?4

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Jesus’ Inclusive Table. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jesus-inclusive-table/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Immensity of What Jesus Has Done for Us. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 7, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jun7