Homily for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

(Cycle C – 2025) 

Theme: “The Great Reversal: Living for God, Not for Wealth”




Introduction

Have you noticed how our world often celebrates people who live large—big houses, flashy cars, social media followers—while quietly ignoring those who struggle every day just to survive? Today’s Gospel gives us a sobering reminder that God’s view of success is very different from the world’s.

Life Story

A little boy asked his grandmother, “Gogo, why does Father always preach about heaven being so wonderful, but he never asks us to go there right now?” Gogo smiled and said, “Because he knows people still want to finish their braai first!”

It’s a funny reminder: we love comfort here, but today’s readings challenge us to think about eternal life and how we treat others now.

The Word of God

  1. Amos 6:1a, 4-7
    The prophet condemns the wealthy in Israel who live in luxury—lying on ivory beds, eating lambs and calves—while ignoring the suffering around them. Their complacency blinds them to God’s justice.

  2. Psalm 146
    A psalm of trust: God lifts up the poor, protects the stranger, sustains the orphan and widow. God’s priorities are clear—He sides with the vulnerable.

  3. 1 Timothy 6:11-16
    Paul urges Timothy to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” The Christian life is not about greed but about living faithfully until the appearing of Christ.

  4. Luke 16:19-31
    The parable of the rich man and Lazarus shows the great reversal: Lazarus, poor and suffering, is comforted in heaven, while the rich man who ignored him suffers in torment. Wealth itself is not condemned, but selfishness, indifference, and lack of compassion are.

Connection of the Readings

All the readings align: God is deeply concerned with justice, compassion, and eternal destiny. Wealth, privilege, and power are meaningless if they blind us to the needs of others. The Gospel teaches that ignoring the poor is not just a bad habit—it has eternal consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the “Lazaruses” lying at the gates of my life—those I overlook?

  2. Am I more focused on comfort and wealth than on love and service?

  3. What practical steps can I take to bring justice and mercy into my community?

Implications for Daily Living in the Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality

  • The Jubilee invites us to embrace mercy, debt relief, and compassion for the poor—echoing today’s message.

  • Synodality calls us to walk together, listening to the voices of the poor and marginalized in the Church.

  • Our Christian witness must be practical: justice, love, and hospitality must shape our daily decisions.

Inspiration 

The Gospel reminds us: God doesn’t measure life by how much we own, but by how much we love. Every act of kindness, every small gesture of compassion, echoes into eternity.

Quote of the Day

“You will be judged by how you treated the least of my brothers and sisters” (cf. Matthew 25:40).

Final Thoughts

Today’s readings remind us: what we do with what we have matters. We can either close our eyes to the poor at our gate, or open our hearts and share God’s love. Eternity begins with how we live today.

Conclusion

The challenge is not to feel guilty about blessings but to use them responsibly. True greatness is found in humility, service, and love.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the Lazarus at my gate.
Keep me from being blinded by comfort, wealth, or selfishness.
Teach me to love as You love, to give as You give,
and to live with eternity in mind.
May my life be a witness of justice, mercy, and hope.
Amen.

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