The first reading is from the book of Psalms, and is read responsively.

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

The second reading is from Paul's first letter to Timothy, chapter six.

There is great gain in right action combined with contentment. We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we might be content with these.

But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and given themselves great pain.

But as for you, Timothy, forget all that; pursue righteousness, right action, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. As for those who in the present age are rich, direct them not to be proud, or to pin their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but to hope rather in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Remind them to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share. In this way they will store up the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that truly is life.

The word of the Lord.

The religious leaders, who were lovers of money, heard Jesus’ story of the dishonest manager forgiving others’ debts, and sneered at him. He said to them, “There was a certain rich man who clothed himself in purple and fine linen, and who feasted luxuriously every day. At his gate lay another man, who was poor, named Lazarus. He was covered with sores, and longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. But instead, dogs would come and lick his sores.

“The poor man died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. While being tormented in the place of the dead, he looked up and saw Abraham at a distance with Lazarus at his side. He shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am suffering in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things, whereas Lazarus received terrible things. Now Lazarus is being comforted and you are in great pain. Moreover, a great cavern has been fixed between us and you. Those who wish to cross over from here to you cannot. Neither can anyone cross from there to us.’

“The rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my father’s house. I have five brothers. Make him warn them, so that they do not come to this place of agony.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets. They must listen to them.’ The rich man said, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will change their hearts and lives.’ Abraham said, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”

This is the gospel, the good news of God's grace.