26th Sunday Year C 2025

Amidst the celebrations in the diocese, the readings this week remind us of something very simple, yet deeply challenging: our lives and our gifts are not given only for ourselves but also for others. Amos warns the people of Israel not to sit comfortably while the poor suffer (Amos 6:1, 4–7). In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of a rich man who ignored the beggar at his gate (Luke 16:19–31). And in his letter to Timothy, St Paul urges us to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).

These words are not meant to weigh us down, but to lift us up and point us towards what really matters. Each of us has been entrusted with gifts – some have material wealth, some have skills and talents, but all of us have the gift of time, kindness, and presence. The Lord calls us to use these gifts and to share them generously for the good of our families, our communities, and especially those most in need.

St Teresa of Calcutta once said: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” (Mother Teresa, A Simple Path). Sometimes we think helping others means giving money. But there are so many ways to bring God’s light into someone’s darkness. We can listen with patience to a neighbour who feels lonely. We can share a word of encouragement with someone who is struggling. We can volunteer our time, offer our skills, pray for those in difficulty, or simply greet others with a smile that brings hope.

Remember! Our first responsibility is often within our own homes. To nurture our families with love, patience, and forgiveness is also a powerful way of living the Gospel. Charity begins at home, but does not end there. A heart that learns to love within the family will naturally open wider to love others too.

The story of the rich man and Lazarus teaches us a lasting truth: wealth itself does not condemn, but how we use it or fail to use it an what closes heaven’s doors is indifference. What opens them wide is compassion.

St Augustine once wrote: “Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others” (St Augustine, Exposition on Psalm 147).

So let us be alert to the silent cries around us – the struggles of the single parent, the quiet pain of the unemployed, the hidden loneliness of the elderly. Let us be people who see, who care, and who act.

Most of all, let us live each day with eyes open, hearts ready, and hands willing to serve. For in giving, we receive, and in loving, we shine with the life of Christ.

By Fr. Thomas O'Brien a.a.