Reflection:
The Lukan gospel about the rich man and the beggar Lazarus is a familiar story. It serves to remind us of the disparity between the rich and the poor, the hungry and homeless, the sick and lonely. Most of all it pricks our conscience and makes us more aware of the times we have self-righteously passed by the Lazarus’ at our doorstep?! There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t give thanks for all the blessings our generous God has bestowed on me and at the same time, wonder why so many are suffering and how can I one person help to make their life better!
It helps to be a part of our parish and local community that invites us to spend countless hours of time, treasure and talent on behalf of the less fortunate in our midst. We contribute to SVdP Food drives, donate backpacks and school supplies to the local schools, gather shoes for Water Step, support the parish outreach donations to specific organizations in need, welcome and resettle the refugee and immigrant that used to be able to come to our door. These are just a few of the ways we try to follow Jesus’ clarion call to work for justice and bring the light of Christ to those who stumble in the darkness of loneliness, addiction, domestic abuse and sickness.
Psalm 146 names nine groups of people whom the Lord sustains and favors. We are called to:
Secure justice for the oppressed, give food to the hungry, raise up those bowed down, give sight to the blind, love the just, protect strangers and sustain the fatherless and the widow. May we open our eyes and ears, hearts and hands to care for our sisters and brothers in need and may our voices be heard as we pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness as we heard in Reading II from 1 Timothy.
