Luke 16:19-31

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees:

“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen

and dined sumptuously each day.

And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,

who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps

that fell from the rich man’s table.

Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.

When the poor man died,

he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.

The rich man also died and was buried,

and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,

he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off

and Lazarus at his side.

And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.

Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,

for I am suffering torment in these flames.’

Abraham replied, ‘My child,

remember that you received what was good during your lifetime

while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;

but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.

Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established

to prevent anyone from crossing

who might wish to go from our side to yours

or from your side to ours.’

He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him

to my father’s house,

for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them,

lest they too come to this place of torment.’

But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets.

Let them listen to them.’

He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham,

but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

Then Abraham said,

‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,

neither will they be persuaded

if someone should rise from the dead.’”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you know all things. Guide me along the path that leads to life with you. Protect me from danger and give me your grace to fight the good fight, finish the race, and receive the victorious crown of your glory.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Reward and Punishment: The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that we will be rewarded or punished according to the way we live our lives. The rich man in the Gospel is indifferent to the sufferings of Lazarus. Instead of loving God above all things, the rich man trusts solely in his human strength and power. Although he is rich and has many material possessions, he reveals himself to be barren. He is barren, like a bush in the desert, and empty, like salted earth or a lava waste. Because his life is not anchored in God, he is like chaff that the wind drives away. Ultimately, the rich man’s indifference to God and others brings upon himself the curse of eternal separation from God. Lazarus, on the other hand, is blessed. Despite his hunger, suffering, and material want in this life, he continues to place his trust and hope in the Lord. He is not consumed by fear, because he knows that God is at his side. Lazarus is like a tree that is firmly rooted in the ground, with deep roots that reach the waters of life. Lazarus perseveres in difficult times because his security is not in things that pass away, but in God who is always faithful.

2. Rich and Poor: The Gospel teaches us that, if we are materially rich, we are called to be good administrators of wealth who seek to alleviate the sufferings of the poor. United to the vine of Christ, all Christians rich and poor, are called to bear much fruit – thirty, sixty, and one hundredfold. All people, including the rich, are called to store up heavenly treasures and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to their brothers and sisters. Those who are blessed with earthly wealth should make sure that their prayer is one of thanksgiving for the benefits received. As well, they should ask especially for the virtue of prudence so that they use their goods wisely on behalf of the poor. If, however, we are materially poor, we should not complain about our situation, but rather place our trust in God and work to better our situation as we are able.

3. The Responsibility of Caring for Christ in the Poor: Jeremiah points out that it is difficult to understand the human heart. This is because the heart is the inner sanctuary where man and God meet. It is the place of encounter where we mysteriously decide for or against God. As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to prefer Jesus to everything and everyone. Detachment from riches and love for neighbor are obligatory for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ calls us to sell all that we have, give generously to the poor, and follow him. What we do for the least of our brethren, we do for Christ. Not only are we called to serve the poor, but we are called to be poor and be detached from the things of this passing world.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, help me to see your face in the poor. Move my heart to have compassion on those who need my help. Do not let me be indifferent to you and the needs of my brothers and sisters.

Resolution: One of the three practices of Lent is almsgiving. This Lent, how have I used the wealth I have on behalf of the poor? What changes do I need to make? What is God asking me to be detached from?