Earlier in the week, we considered how the prophet Amos was sent by God to the northern kingdom, particularly those with economic, social, and political power, taking them to task for their mistreatment of the needy, poor, and afflicted—enriching themselves at the expense of the vulnerable.
In today’s reading we hear about how the greedy merchants were eager for the religious feasts to be over so that they could return to their unethical business practices. They would “add to the weights, and fix their scales for cheating”. In other words, they would falsify the volume of their product and the price of the product, so that the buyer would be doubly cheated.
This passage is certainly a warning from the word of God for all those engaged in business. However, Amos also describes how these sins against the poor were bringing destruction to the kingdom. Theft and exploitation and greed are antithetical to the order of God.
In its section on the seventh commandment’s prohibition of theft, the catechism talks about how “those responsible for business enterprises have a responsibility to society for the economic and ecological effects of their operations. They have an obligation to consider the good of persons and not only the increase of profits.”
Now, most of us do not own our own businesses, but there is certainly a lesson here for all of us. You don’t have to own a business to be tempted by greed or covetousness or pure self-interest. Only thinking about yourself is bad for you and for everybody. Rather, the individual and society thrive when each of us aims at the highest good for ourselves and others. Christ-like sacrificial self-giving which alleviates the burdens of others and works for their betterment, is good pro omnibus et singulis—for all and for the individual.
Catechism says, “God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them: "Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would borrow from you"; "you received without pay, give without pay." It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones.”
This is why in the Gospel, the Lord tells the pharisees to go and learn the meaning of the words, “I desire mercy”.
When we engage in works of mercy-- coming to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities—instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, feeding, clothing, healing, and visiting the lonely, we transform lives and the fabric of our society. May we be found in all of our dealings to be honest, generous, and merciful for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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For all Christians, that we may heed the call to show mercy and compassion in our daily lives, recognizing Christ in the face of the poor and marginalized. Let us pray to the Lord.
That the values of the kingdom of God may guide our government leaders and legislators, our families, businesses, civil institutions, and all our domestic affairs.
For those suffering from poverty and exploitation: may they find relief and support through the work and charity of the Church and people of good will, and for the conversion of the greedy and selfish.
That our parish may continue to respond generously to the needs of our neighbors.
For the sick, the impoverished, the lonely, those suffering from mental illness, those most in need, and those near death: may God, through the loving mercy of the Precious Blood of Jesus, be close to them in their trials.
And that all those redeemed by the Precious Blood of Jesus may come to the glory of heaven, especially X for whom this mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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