“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.” (Lk 9:22-23)

During the season of Lent, we are called to a conversion of our hearts.  We are called to repent, to turn away from sin and to believe in the gospel.  We are asked to fast, pray and give alms to the poor.  In today’s gospel, we have the Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus.  It is a stark reminder that we will be held accountable for the way we live our lives when we die.  In the parable, there is a rich man who lives an extravagant life and a poor beggar named Lazarus.  They both die and Lazarus goes to heaven and the rich man goes to the netherworld where he was tormented.  Jesus tells this parable not because he has anything against rich people but because everything that we have is a gift from God to be shared.  How we use these gifts to build the kingdom of God is what matters.  

The choices that we make help us to stay connected through empathy with those in need.  Not only the poor but those who are poor in spirit, those who are lonely, those who are forgotten and abandoned.  For the rich man, it was too late to make amends.  Through this parable, Jesus offers us the opportunity to bridge that chasm while there is still time.  How are we using the gifts, talents and blessings that God has given us to ease suffering (physical, emotional and spiritual) of those we encounter?  

 

Deacon Joe Trevino

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX