Luke 16:19-31
My Beloved, we have the poor in order that we may share. Today we have many who are obscenely wealthy. They live pampered lives and they simply do not comprehend that we are all accountable to You for the way in which we have used our wealth both spiritual and temporal. I am my brother's keeper. It is wrong to believe that what we have more often than not received without labor, is ours to squander on sinful pastimes, oblivious of those who are unable to even get one proper meal a day. They are dependent on the scraps thrown in the garbage and often many do not have the strength to even drag themselves to pick up the leftovers that have been carelessly and thoughtlessly thrown away.
When we see a rotting mass of humanity on the road, barely alive, we shudder and turn our gaze away. We tell ourselves, "But what can I do? I am helpless." We are all accountable for each other. As long as this day lasts, I must do what I can.
Death comes to rich and poor alike. In today's story You tell us that Lazarus was carried by the angels to heaven. The rich man died as well and he was buried. It was most probably an expensive funeral and the tomb ornate. Someone must have given a most moving eulogy about his non existent merits and many would have wondered who on earth were they talking about. Precious little good did all this pomp and show do him as he was burning in hell.
His audacity is amazing. He dares to ask Abraham to send Lazarus to put cool water on his tongue - he who did not even notice Lazarus in life though he went in and out of his gates several times a day. He is most concerned that all his brothers who are just like him might perish as he has and wishes Lazarus be sent to warn them. Here You tell us a great truth and we better sit up and pay attention. The choices we make have eternal consequences.
Beloved, You came into the world as one of us and You who are sinless took upon Yourself every sin we ever committed right in each of our wretched sinful lives. The penalty for all the sins of every man, woman and child ever committed was borne by You. You died a death that was as ignominious as it was cruel beyond belief and You rose again in glory from the dead - yet, there are many who still refuse to believe. The rich man was told that even if someone was to rise from the dead and warn them it would be futile. How true.
We make our choices freely Beloved and then we sniffle and whine when we have to suffer the results of the bad choices we have made.
As for Lazarus, there is a place for the homeless, the voiceless, the weak, the helpless who in this life were crushed and humiliated. They will rejoice. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
---- Mine, remember your choices and actions have eternal consequences. Do not withhold the smile, the kind word, give what you can each time an opportunity presents itself. Listen with compassion, encourage, be generous with your time this is often more pleasing to Me than just giving money without getting involved. Do not waste. Do not over indulge. Do not pamper your body. Never ever forget that there is an 'eternal now', and your actions will determine where you spend it.
Yes my Beloved, I have only one life to live here on earth. I must walk with You who are the Way, the Truth and the Life. You have said, "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do it to Me." Grant me the grace to remember this always.
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