September 25.  26th Sunday C.   The way Fr Timothy presented the theme for the Mass of the day challenged them all after their Heritage Day experience.   “Why is it so difficult to accept that the difference between rich and poor is a problem? But what kind of problem is it?  Surely the poor don’t want to stay poor, they want to become rich. Is that not why they demonstrate and even riot and their deep frustration makes them show little respect for public property.  But will they ever get rich like that?  The rich also don’t want to become poor.  Why should they?  Are there not enough resources to go round, or how can we all contribute to create more?”  “The world cannot sustain more of the excessive consumption, carbon emissions and pollution. What is needed is for us all to moderate our consumption to what is sustainable.  What education towards an ecological conversion is required for everyone?”   

Scripture: Jesus said, “there was a rich man clothed in purple and fine linen who feasted sumptuously every day.  At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus full of sores who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Luke16: 19-31.  Pope Francis:   When people become self-centred and self-enclosed, their greed increases. LS204 Yet all is not lost.  Human beings while capable of the worst are also capable of rising above themselves.  LS205  In countries which should be making the greatest changes in consumer habits, young people have a new ecological sensitivity and some are making admirable efforts to protect the environment. At the same time they have grown up in a milieu of extreme consumerism and affluence which makes it difficult to develop other habits.  We are faced with an educational challenge.  LS 209

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER.  Study and discover ways to adopt theLaudato si Action Platform goal of simple and sustainable living. Examine your consumer habits and decide to improve where you can, saving water, electricity, paper, time, money.   Pray Glory  be to the Father.