September 22, 2013
25th Sunday Ordinary Time
As a child I was permitted to walk to the Red & White grocery store on Main Street in Bowmansville run by Mr. George Sugg. Families would charge food until their pay checks game in. It was a system based on honor, trust and honesty. A time before credit cards. In our first reading Amos, a Jewish prophet in the Northern Kingdom, cried out regarding exploitation of the poor. Wealthy merchants fixed scales and land owners forced tenants to sell their sandals to obtain food. The prophet made a connection between worship and covenant living, between God and neighbor. Jesus tells us in the Gospel that we cannot serve two masters – God or money. If we are honest in small matters we will be honest in great matters. If we are dishonest in small things, we will be dishonest in great things. Recently a young man was honored for doing the right thing. He noticed a woman taking $20 from a man with impaired vision. He asked her to return the money, when she refused, he refused to serve her. He then went over and gave the man $20 from his own pocket. It was noticed by other customers at DQ. When he was acknowledged publicly, he remarked that 99 out of 100 would do the same. He was not only honest but had high esteem for good in other people. The greatest “wealth†is not money but integrity – when we can look at ourselves in the mirror (or in the face of God) and not be embarrassed by our actions.
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24th Sunday Ordinary Time
