Reflection
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells a parable in which a rich man lived side by side with a poor man, Lazarus. Even though Lazarus was so hungry and needy, the rich man gave no thought to him. How often are we blind to the suffering of others? We convince ourselves that we can’t help others because we don’t have enough money, or because what we have to give won’t have enough impact. When we walk through the city and see those who are homeless and struggling, how often have we looked the other way, without even a hello? The rich man treats Lazarus as if he were not a human being deserving of respect or love. May we not do the same.
God reminds us that we need to treat others with love and share our gifts with the world. If you have been blessed with abundant wealth, give to those who have none. If you have been blessed with a beautiful voice, sing in the church choir. If you have been blessed with patience, volunteer to help the elderly or small children. Jesus asks us to love unconditionally as He does. When the rich man begs to warn his brothers so that they may repent, Abraham says, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” We have a limited time on Earth. Let us live in God’s image and use our gifts to help others, rather than look the other way.
Prayer
Lord, help me to live in Your image, to love those around me, and to share the gifts You have given me.
Chris Holloway, ’17
First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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