HOMILY FOR THE TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C. (21ST SEPTEMBER, 2025)

This is your usual programme: 'GOD IS WITH YOU' by your humble servant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Bartholomew Koroma, CSSp. A member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, commonly known as Spiritans.
The First Reading is taken from the Book of the Prophet Amos 8:4-7. In this passage, the prophet Amos conveys a strong message of God’s judgment directed at the wealthy and corrupt traders of Israel, highlighting the exploitation of the needy and the societal moral decline resulting from greed and injustice.
The passage starts with God addressing those who "trample on the needy" and "bring the poor of the land to an end" (Cf. Amos 8:4). These people are so obsessed with earning money that they can not wait for religious observances like the Sabbath and New Moon celebrations to finish, allowing them to return to unethical business dealings. They deceive by employing fake weights and measures, inflating prices for products, and even selling inferior grain. Worst of all, they consider the poor as simple goods, purchasing the needy in exchange for money or a pair of sandals. This symbolises how little they appreciate the dignity of the human person.
The Second Reading is coming from the First Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy 2:1-8. Here, Paul provides instructions to his ward, Timothy, on the importance of prayer, most especially on intercessory prayer, godly living, unity under God's will, and the conduct expected of believers, especially in the context of public worship and community life.
Paul begins by urging that prayers, intercessions, supplications, and thanksgivings be made for all people, especially for kings and those in authority (Cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2). The purpose of these prayers is to promote a peaceful and orderly society, allowing Christians to live in peace and harmony. This reflects Paul’s belief that a stable and just society benefits the Church and supports its mission.
The Gospel of today is from Luke 16:1-13. In this Gospel, Jesus narrates the Parable of the Unjust Steward. A difficult and stimulating lesson on money, accountability, and spiritual values. Addressing His disciples, Jesus tells of a wealthy man who learns that his manager is squandering his resources. Consequently, he was on the verge of being removed for improperly handling his master's possessions.