Word to the Wise
Thursday, March 1, 2018 - 2nd Week of Lent - Thurs
[Jer 17:5-10 and Luke 16:19-31]THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 THURSDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT [Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 16:19-31] '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.' [Luke] The story of the Rich Man ("Dives") and Lazarus the beggar can be a chilling one to contemplate. We are not told that Dives deliberately ignored Lazarus at his doorstep. What we are told is that the 'good' that Dives received in his life blinded him to Lazarus' situation and even to the teachings of Moses and the prophets. Dives could not see beyond his own 'good' situation to Lazarus' 'bad' situation. The result was a great chasm. One of the major themes of the Gospel According to Luke is the danger of material wealth. It is not as if wealth is bad in itself but it can become like a good thing with addictive traits which create a world in which no one else exists. This can be a collective thing, like an enclosed lifestyle enclave that dulls the conscience. Our baptism calls us to be aware of the lives of others and to respond to needs from our resources. Some are blessed with resources that allow them to be philanthropists. These have broken down the wall that wealth can create. Most of us must respond from more modest means. What is important is to be aware and to respond. Dives did not seem to be aware and so he did not respond. His awareness was dulled by his wealth. Lent offers us an opportunity to renew our awareness. We may take advantage of those little cardboard "rice bowl" containers, but those will disappear after Lent is over. It is the long-term awareness that the gospel aims at. Jesus challenges us to be aware of what our "stuff" is doing to us and and to become aware of our brothers and sisters in need. AMEN Sent from my iPhone
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