16th Sunday after Pentecost

English: Responsibility to the Marginalized

Eʋe: Míaƒe dɔdeasi na Amesiwo woɖe ɖe aga

Twi: Asodi da Kristofo so ma wɔn a wonni akwanya

Scripture Readings: Amos 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, grace and peace be with you. Today,  the Word of God calls us to examine our hearts and actions toward those society overlooks—the poor, the voiceless, the people who suffer quietly on the edges of our communities. To be “marginalized” means to be pushed aside, to have little power or influence, to be treated as though one’s life matters less. In every generation there are people who fit that description: the hungry, the unemployed, widows and orphans, persons living with disability, refugees, and even those who are spiritually lost. Our theme, Responsibility to the Marginalized, reminds us that God does not merely suggest kindness; He commands His people to stand with the vulnerable. Let us walk through our three readings and hear what the Lord is saying to His Church today.

Complacency Condemned – Amos 6:1-7

The prophet Amos speaks to Israel during a time of prosperity. The wealthy of Samaria enjoyed fine music, ivory couches, and bowls of wine, but they “were not grieved for the ruin of Joseph.” God’s warning is blunt: “Woe to you who are at ease in Zion.” Their sin was not simply that they possessed wealth, but that they were indifferent to the suffering around them. They ignored the cries of the poor and the corruption of their leaders. The Lord promised that such complacency would end in exile. This is a sobering word for us today. We may not recline on ivory beds, but we can become comfortable in our homes and churches while injustice and poverty multiply outside our gates. The call of Amos is clear: God rejects a religion that sings sweet songs on Sunday while turning a blind eye to human need on Monday.

True Riches and Generous Living – 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Paul writes to Timothy that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” The apostle warns believers not to chase riches that pierce the soul with many sorrows. Instead, those who have means are to be “rich in good works, generous and ready to share,” laying up a firm foundation for eternal life. Here we learn that wealth itself is not evil; the danger lies in trusting it and hoarding it. Every possession is a trust from God to be used for His purposes. Contentment frees us from the endless desire for more, while generosity opens our hands to serve the marginalized. In a world that measures success by accumulation, Paul invites us to measure success by faithfulness and compassion.

The Eternal Consequences of Indifference – Luke 16:19-31

Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus brings the lesson to its sharpest point. A rich man dressed in purple feasted daily, while the poor beggar Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores and longing for crumbs. After death their situations reversed: Lazarus was comforted in Abraham’s bosom, and the rich man found himself in torment. Notice that the rich man is nameless; perhaps to show that wealth without mercy leaves no lasting identity. His sin was not that he was rich, but that he ignored the suffering at his own doorstep. Abraham’s words ring out across the centuries: “They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them.” We have the Scriptures and the example of Christ. We cannot plead ignorance.

Living the Message Today

What then is our responsibility? First, as individuals we must cultivate hearts of compassion. That may mean visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, mentoring a child, or advocating for someone who has no voice. We ask the Spirit to reveal where our lifestyles have become self-absorbed and to teach us contentment. Second, as a church we are called to organized action—scholarship programs, food distribution, skill training, and honest stewardship of resources. Our congregations must be places where the marginalized find dignity and belonging. Third, as citizens we bear witness in society. We must speak truth to power, support fair policies, and resist corruption, because God’s justice extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary.

Conclusion

Beloved, the Word of God is indeed like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces. Through Amos, Paul, and our Lord Jesus, God reminds us that to ignore the marginalized is to ignore Christ Himself. Let us therefore open our eyes, loosen our grip on earthly riches, and stretch out our hands to those in need. May we be known not for comfort but for compassion, not for accumulation but for generosity, so that when we stand before the Lord we may hear the welcome of eternal life.

Let Us Pray: Lord of justice and mercy, awaken us from complacency. Teach us contentment and generosity. Help us to see Your image in every person, and to serve the least among us with love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

By: Rev. Sylvanus Yao Kpodonu

EPCG

TEGBI