September 21, 2025; 25th Sunday in Ordinary (Year C)

Readings: Amos 8:4-7; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

The first reading today reminds me of St. Oscar Romero, who was canonized on October 14, 2018. He was the slain Archbishop of San Salvador and an ardent advocate for justice and a voice for the poor during the turbulent times leading up to El Salvador’s civil war. Romero viewed all people, especially the poor, as human beings created in the image of God, deserving of dignity and respect. He fought for the liberation of his people from the oppressive military government. Tragically, he was assassinated on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel of Divine Providence. Aware that his death was imminent, he once warned his would-be assassins: “If I am killed, I shall arise again in the Salvadoran people.”

When I visited El Salvador in 2017, it was an overwhelming experience to stand at the same altar where Romero had stood when the assassin’s bullet struck and shattered his heart. I think of the Liberation Theologians from South America between 1950 and 1960, such as Gustavo Gutierrez of Peru, Leonardo Boff of Brazil, Juan Luis Segundo of Uruguay, Archbishop Helder Camara of Brazil, and Jon Sobrino of Spain. These men popularized the phrase “Preferential option for the poor.” They believed that God speaks particularly through the poor and that the Bible can only be understood from their perspective. They were courageous defenders of the impoverished, having fought and even died in defense of their rights. Dom Helder Camara reminds us, “When we are dreaming alone, it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality.”

As I reflect on the lives of these men, I am saddened to observe that we continue to confront similar struggles today. The poor are still traumatized, stigmatized, mistreated, imprisoned, and ignored, while there seems to be a collective silence among those who should advocate for their rights. The prophet Amos addressed a situation akin to ours, where giant corporations have effectively bought the government, and fossil fuel companies, the gun lobby, health insurance providers, and pharmaceutical companies have gained control over the economy. Yes, where greed and injustice reign, the result is usually revolt, anarchy, and protest, with the same poor people bearing the brunt of the consequences. The message of Amos remains as urgent today as it was in his time: “Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! We will buy the lowly for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals.” (Amos 8:4-7).

Amos preached during a time of material and financial prosperity in Israel, when the wealthy amassed riches by ruthlessly exploiting and deceiving the poor. Fraud and deception were common in business, and the legal system favored the wealthy over justice. During this period, city life was corrupt, and religion had become mere routine—far from genuine faith. The children of Israel, in their affluence, lost their faith and focus on God. The Sabbath and new moons, which were meant to be days of prayer and rest, were viewed as interruptions to the pursuit of wealth. Amos’ warning to them was frank, direct, and decisive: “The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have done!” He called the people back to wholeness and solidarity as one people under God. He reminded them that their fancy liturgies and solemn assemblies were meaningless as long as they exploited the poor. As the psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18). The mission of Christ was clear: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19).

In the parable we have just heard from the Gospel, Jesus does not commend the crafty attitude of the dishonest steward for his laziness and shady bookkeeping. Instead, he admires the steward’s ingenuity and willingness to plan for his future. Jesus points out, “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.” (Luke 16:8). The steward acted in his own self-interest, but he had time and ability to plan. Jesus urges us to “Make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:9). However, our friend’s immediate concern was not eternal life but merely making ends meet. We should be prepared to do whatever it takes to attain eternal life. How much are you willing to invest in your pursuit of a closer relationship with God? 

The Gospel teaches us that everything we have is a gift intended for the benefit of all. Our wealth is a blessing from God only when we detach ourselves from it and are willing to share it with others. Our use of money should always align with principles of social justice and personal responsibility. Our worship of God should influence our behavior. By acting in this way, we will be entrusted with eternal life, as those we assist on earth will advocate for us on the Day of Judgment. As it is written, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40).

This vision reflects the aspirations of the first reading and Liberation Theologians: a world where resources are equitably shared and accessible to everyone. Dom Helder Câmara once said, “Without justice and love, peace will always be a great illusion.” Recognizing that God has blessed the world with abundance meant for all is essential for achieving peace, justice, and equity.

The readings offer several lessons to consider if we are to “lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity,” as St. Paul encourages in the second reading. First, we must be people of prayer. “I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, and that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.” Prayer should not be the sole concern of women and children; men should also become prayer warriors.

Secondly, we must take matters of faith seriously. This means that Christians should be as eager and resourceful in pursuing goodness as those in the world are in seeking wealth and comfort. Often, we spend more time and resources on activities that bring us instant pleasures, such as hobbies, pets, and sports, than we do on prayer and spiritual growth.

Third, we should use our material possessions to strengthen our relationships with others, particularly the poor. They play a crucial role in securing our peace with God. In this world, the rich should assist the poor, while in the next life, the poor will help the rich.

Finally, since we cannot serve two masters, we must make a choice: whom will we serve, God or money? Once we decide to serve God, we must recognize that there is no spare time for ourselves; all our time belongs to Him. God is our most exclusive master; we either belong to Him completely or not at all. May God grant us the strength to choose Him above all else. Amen.

 

Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP