Another challenging Gospel about how we see and treat the poor.  Wealth is not the problem. The problem is how we use our riches.  Amos is the champion of the poor and oppressed.  He says there will be a day of reckoning for those who misappropriated their wealth.  The is the story of the rich man in today’s Gospel.  He showed no concern for the poor and suffering.

The Gospel message is clear and  unambiguous, Wealth, if we have it, can serve God’s purposes in so many ways. We can help our migrant brothers and sisters. This wealth may not just be monetary, it may also be our gifts and talents, our faith, our wisdom and knowledge and our pool of resources.  It may be a word of kindness or a good deed. The Gospel alerts us to be aware of those in our midst who are in great need and to lift people out of their impoverished moment; out of their misery.

We don’t want to be like the rich young man    regretting everything when it is too late.  As Oscar Romero said, ‘It is not God’s will for    someone to have everything and others to have nothing.