As Luke recounts it, moral behavior good or evil acts in itself has little to do with the ultimate destiny of these two persons. The man who is lost in his own wealth is lost, period. The man who truly hungers will be filled in God s banquet simply because he is empty and open. The rich man, suffering the consequences of his immersion in this world s wealth, gives a frightening example of his blind inability to repent. He still considers others Lazarus specifically only as instruments for carrying out his own desires.
True repentance comes from listening to and hearing the word that is already present and available.
Amos, a desert-dwelling shepherd extremely sensitive to this injustice and exploitation, condemns those who wallow in the false security of luxury. His prophecy is not merely an expression of envy of the have-nots toward the haves. This psalm is a trustful hymn of praise to God who is faithful and concerned for his people. As humanly valuable as they are in themselves, these qualities find fulfillment when they lead beyond to union with Christ in his sacrificial death and resurrection. In view of the themes established by the other readings, it would seem that vv 17-19 should have been included as well.