The readings for this Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost are notable passages. The Old Testament selection from Amos 6 is a prophetic warning to selfish, rich Israelites who ignore the poor among God's people. The Epistle selection from 1 Timothy 3:1-15 deals with the qualities expected of church leaders. Pastors and assistants should profess sound doctrine and pursue good behavior. Although human beings remain imperfect, church leaders have a high calling that is especially important for the well-being of Christ's church and for the Christian witness in this world.
The Gospel from Luke 16:19-31 is Jesus' parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus. It concerns spiritual and moral attitudes and actions, and it shows the impact of such attitudes and actions on one's eternal destiny. The Hebrew Law and Prophets as well as the natural law engraved in human hearts, teach us about God's expectations. All generally sane people are spiritually and morally accountable. Therefore, we must turn to Christ's Gospel. Called, guided, and assisted by divine grace, each of us must respond and make choices about our relationships with God and our neighbors. And those responses determine our condition in this world and the world to come.
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