Thursday of the Second Week

Reflection

“Blessed are they who hope in the Lord!” Today’s readings tell us the story of Lazarus and the importance of God for a good and meaningful life. We are reminded in Psalms, Jeremiah, and Luke that only God’s love can be everlasting and truly fulfilling. Throughout these readings, we hear a comparison to true faith being like a tree planted beside waters. It is sustaining and strong, whereas other paths can be unfulfilling. We also see the importance of faith through the example of Lazarus. The rich man could not value Lazarus in life because he was not in a true relationship with God, and so he could not share God’s mercy with those right in front of him.

These readings reminded me of reading Kierkegaard’s Either/Or, my first year in Professor Tumulty’s philosophy class. Many alums can relate to that one class, lesson, or professor who impacted them deeply. When I first read Kierkegaard, I was taken aback of his argument for a meaningful life. It all made sense! He argued three ways of being—the aesthetic that is self-serving and temporary, the ethical that is principled but impersonal, and the religious that is the medium in which we can serve ourselves AND others by serving God.  After reading Either/Or, I had taken notice of the religious and came to greatly admire those who have displayed that deep relationship with God. Those who truly live to serve God also seem to live with an inimitable lightness, kindness, and strength. Maybe if the rich man found God sooner and led the life of the religious, some of Lazarus’ pain could have been spared and he too could have been more fulfilled.

If being with God is like being a tree beside water, I believe this echoes the same point Kierkegaard was trying to convey. God is unmatched. Maybe if we all trusted in God more, then we can better serve others and find true meaning in our lives. Every day we can do something. We can look at ourselves and ask for God’s mercy. We can live more authentically the call of Jesus—to love God and likewise, to love our neighbor.

Prayer

Gracious God, help us to know You are with us, so that we can grow our faith in You, and with Your presence we can serve others in Your name.

Britt Gardella, ’17

Scripture
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