Be Not AfraidThis Sunday’s readings remind us of the eternal stakes of how we live in this world. Amos warns the complacent who indulge in comfort while ignoring the suffering around them. The psalm calls us to praise the Lord who defends the poor, the widow, and the stranger. St. Paul exhorts Timothy to “pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness,” holding firm to eternal life. And in the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus—a sobering call to conversion, compassion, and justice. May we open our eyes and hearts to Christ in the poor and live as children of the light.